Botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with enhanced potency

ABSTRACT

A  botulinum  toxin pharmaceutical formulation free of animal derived proteins, comprising a  botulinum  toxin and a recombinant albumin, suitable for therapeutic administration to a human patient, and methods for treating patients with various diseases and afflictions with the formulation.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 10/047,058, filed Jan. 14, 2002, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/500,147, filed Feb. 8, 2000. The entire contents of these prior patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof.

A pharmaceutical composition is a formulation which contains at least one active ingredient (such as a Clostridial toxin) as well as, for example, one or more excipients, buffers, carriers, stabilizers, preservatives and/or bulking agents, and is suitable for administration to a patient to achieve a desired diagnostic result or therapeutic effect. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein have diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research utility in patients such as humans, as well in, for example, canine, equine, bovine and porcine mammalian species patients, and in non-mammalian avian species patients.

For storage stability and convenience of handling, a pharmaceutical composition can be formulated as a lyophilized (i.e. freeze dried) or vacuum dried powder which can be reconstituted with a suitable fluid, such as saline or water, prior to administration to a patient. Alternately, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated as an aqueous solution or suspension. A pharmaceutical composition can contain a proteinaceous active ingredient. Unfortunately, a protein active ingredient can be very difficult to stabilize (i.e. maintained in a state where loss of biological activity is minimized), resulting therefore in a loss of protein and/or loss of protein activity during the formulation, reconstitution (if required) and during the period of storage prior to use of a protein containing pharmaceutical composition. Stability problems can occur because of protein denaturation, degradation, dimerization, and/or polymerization. Various excipients, such as albumin and gelatin have been used with differing degrees of success to try and stabilize a protein active ingredient present in a pharmaceutical composition. Additionally, cryoprotectants such as alcohols have been used to reduce protein denaturation under the freezing conditions of lyophilization.

Albumin

Albumins are small, abundant plasma proteins. Human serum albumin has a molecular weight of about 69 kiloDaltons (kD) and has been used as a non-active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition where it can serve as a bulk carrier and stabilizer of certain protein active ingredients present in a pharmaceutical composition.

The stabilization function of albumin in a pharmaceutical composition can be present both during the multi-step formulation of the pharmaceutical composition and upon the later reconstitution of the formulated pharmaceutical composition. Thus, stability can be imparted by albumin to a proteinaceous active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition by, for example, (1) reducing adhesion (commonly referred to as “stickiness”) of the protein active ingredient to surfaces, such as the surfaces of laboratory glassware, vessels, to the vial in which the pharmaceutical composition is reconstituted and to the inside surface of a syringe used to inject the pharmaceutical composition. Adhesion of a protein active ingredient to surfaces can lead to loss of active ingredient and to denaturation of the remaining retained protein active ingredient, both of which reduce the total activity of the active ingredient present in the pharmaceutical composition, and; (2) reducing denaturation of the active ingredient which can occur upon preparation of a low dilution solution of the active ingredient.

As well as being able to stabilize a protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition, human serum albumin also has the advantage of generally negligible immunogenicity when injected into a human patient. A compound with an appreciable immunogenicity can cause the production of antibodies against it which can lead to an anaphylactic reaction and/or to the development of drug resistance, with the disease or disorder to be treated thereby becoming potentially refractory to the pharmaceutical composition which has an immunogenic component.

Unfortunately, despite its known stabilizing effect, significant drawbacks exist to the use of human serum albumin in a pharmaceutical composition. For example human serum albumins are expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain. Furthermore, blood products such as albumin, when administered to a patient can subject the patient to a potential risk of receiving blood borne pathogens or infectious agents. Thus, it is known that the possibility exists that the presence of albumin in a pharmaceutical composition can result in inadvertent incorporation of infectious elements into the pharmaceutical composition. For example, it has been reported that use of human serum albumin may transmit prions into a pharmaceutical composition. A prion is a proteinaceous infectious particle which is hypothesized to arise as an abnormal conformational isoform from the same nucleic acid sequence which makes the normal protein. It has been further hypothesized that infectivity resides in a “recruitment reaction” of the normal isoform protein to the prion protein isoform at a post translational level. Apparently the normal endogenous cellular protein is induced to misfold into a pathogenic prion conformation. Significantly, several lots of human serum albumin have been withdrawn from distribution upon a determination that a blood donor to a pool from which the albumin was prepared was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (sometimes characterized as Alzheimer's disease on fast forward) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy where the transmissible agent is apparently an abnormal isoform of a prion protein. An individual with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease can deteriorate from apparent perfect health to akinetic mutism within six months. Possible iatrogenic transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease by human serum albumin transfusion has been reported and it has been speculated that sufficient protection against Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease transmission is not provided by the usual methods of human serum albumin preparation which methods include disposal of blood cellular elements and heating to 60 degrees C. for 10 hours. Thus, a potential risk may exist of acquiring a prion mediated disease, such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, from the administration of a pharmaceutical composition which contains human plasma protein concentrates, such as serum albumin.

Gelatin has been used in some protein active ingredient pharmaceutical compositions as an albumin substitute. Notably, gelatin is a animal derived protein and therefore carries the same risk of potential infectivity which may be possessed by human serum albumin. Hence, it is desirable to find a substitute for human serum albumin which is not a blood fraction, and preferably, the albumin substitute is not gelatin and is not derived from any animal (i.e. mammalian) source.

Botulinum Toxin

The anaerobic, gram positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces a potent polypeptide neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, which causes a neuroparalytic illness in humans and animals referred to as botulism. Clostridium botulinum and its spores are commonly found in soil and the bacterium can grow in improperly sterilized and sealed food containers of home based canneries, which are the cause of many of the cases of botulism. The effects of botulism typically appear 18 to 36 hours after eating the foodstuffs infected with a Clostridium botulinum culture or spores. The botulinum toxin can apparently pass unattenuated through the lining of the gut and attack peripheral motor neurons. Symptoms of botulinum toxin intoxication can progress from difficulty walking, swallowing, and speaking to paralysis of the respiratory muscles and death.

Botulinum toxin type A is the most lethal natural biological agent known to man. About 50 picograms of botulinum toxin (purified neurotoxin complex) type A is a LD₅₀ in mice. Interestingly, on a molar basis, botulinum toxin type A is 1.8 billion times more lethal than diphtheria, 600 million times more lethal than sodium cyanide, 30 million times more lethal than cobrotoxin and 12 million times more lethal than cholera. Singh, Critical Aspects of Bacterial Protein Toxins, pages 63-84 (chapter 4) of Natural Toxins II, edited by B. R. Singh et al., Plenum Press, New York (1976) (where the stated LD₅₀ of botulinum toxin type A of 0.3 ng equals 1 U is corrected for the fact that about 0.05 ng of BOTOX® equals 1 unit). One unit (U) of botulinum toxin is defined as the LD₅₀ upon intraperitoneal injection into female Swiss Webster mice weighing 18-20 grams each. In other words, one unit of botulinum toxin is the amount of botulinum toxin that kills 50% of a group of female Swiss Webster mice. Seven generally immunologically distinct botulinum neurotoxins have been characterized, these being respectively botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A, B, C₁, D, E, F, and G, each of which is distinguished by neutralization with type-specific antibodies. The different serotypes of botulinum toxin vary in the animal species that they affect and in the severity and duration of the paralysis they evoke. For example, it has been determined that botulinum toxin type A is 500 times more potent, as measured by the rate of paralysis produced in the rat, than is botulinum toxin type B. Additionally, botulinum toxin type B has been determined to be non-toxic in primates at a dose of 480 U/kg which is about 12 times the primate LD₅₀ for botulinum toxin type A. The botulinum toxins apparently bind with high affinity to cholinergic motor neurons, are translocated into the neuron and block the presynaptic release of acetylcholine.

Botulinum toxins have been used in clinical settings for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders characterized by hyperactive skeletal muscles. Botulinum toxin type A was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1989 for the treatment of essential blepharospasm, strabismus and hemifacial spasm in patients over the age of twelve. Clinical effects of peripheral injection (i.e. intramuscular or subcutaneous) botulinum toxin type A are usually seen within one week of injection, and often within a few hours after injection. The typical duration of symptomatic relief (i.e. flaccid muscle paralysis) from a single intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A can be about three months to about six months.

Although all the botulinum toxins serotypes apparently inhibit release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, they do so by affecting different neurosecretory proteins and/or cleaving these proteins at different sites. Botulinum toxin A is a zinc endopeptidase which can specifically hydrolyze a peptide linkage of the intracellular, vesicle associated protein SNAP-25. Botulinum type E also cleaves the 25 kiloDalton (kD) synaptosomal associated protein (SNAP-25), but targets different amino acid sequences within this protein, as compared to botulinum toxin type A. Botulinum toxin types B, D, F and G act on vesicle-associated protein (VAMP, also called synaptobrevin), with each serotype cleaving the protein at a different site. Finally, botulinum toxin type C₁ has been shown to cleave both syntaxin and SNAP-25. These differences in mechanism of action may affect the relative potency and/or duration of action of the various botulinum toxin serotypes.

Regardless of serotype, the molecular mechanism of toxin intoxication appears to be similar and to involve at least three steps or stages. In the first step of the process, the toxin binds to the presynaptic membrane of the target neuron through a specific interaction between the heavy chain (H chain) and a cell surface receptor; the receptor is thought to be different for each serotype of botulinum toxin and for tetanus toxin. The carboxyl end segment of the H chain, H_(C), appears to be important for targeting of the toxin to the cell surface.

In the second step, the toxin crosses the plasma membrane of the poisoned cell. The toxin is first engulfed by the cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis, and an endosome containing the toxin is formed. The toxin then escapes the endosome into the cytoplasm of the cell. This last step is thought to be mediated by the amino end segment of the H chain, H_(N), which triggers a conformational change of the toxin in response to a pH of about 5.5 or lower. Endosomes are known to possess a proton pump which decreases intra endosomal pH. The conformational shift exposes hydrophobic residues in the toxin, which permits the toxin to embed itself in the endosomal membrane. The toxin then translocates through the endosomal membrane into the cytosol.

The last step of the mechanism of botulinum toxin activity appears to involve reduction of the disulfide bond joining the H and L chain. The entire toxic activity of botulinum and tetanus toxins is contained in the L chain of the holotoxin; the L chain is a zinc (Zn++) endopeptidase which selectively cleaves proteins essential for recognition and docking of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane, and fusion of the vesicles with the plasma membrane. Tetanus neurotoxin, botulinum toxin B, D, F, and G cause degradation of synaptobrevin (also called vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)), a synaptosomal membrane protein. Most of the VAMP present at the cytosolic surface of the synaptic vesicle is removed as a result of any one of these cleavage events. Each toxin specifically cleaves a different bond.

The molecular weight of the botulinum toxin protein molecule, for all seven of the known botulinum toxin serotypes, is about 150 kD. Interestingly, the botulinum toxins are released by Clostridial bacterium as complexes comprising the 150 kD botulinum toxin protein molecule along with associated non-toxin proteins. Thus, the botulinum toxin type A complex can be produced by Clostridial bacterium as 900 kD, 500 kD and 300 kD forms. Botulinum toxin types B and C₁ are apparently produced as only a 500 kD complex. Botulinum toxin type D is produced as both 300 kD and 500 kD complexes. Finally, botulinum toxin types E and F are produced as only approximately 300 kD complexes. The complexes (i.e. molecular weight greater than about 150 kD) are believed to contain a non-toxin hemagglutinin protein and a non-toxin and non-toxic nonhemagglutinin protein. These two non-toxin proteins (which along with the botulinum toxin molecule can comprise the relevant neurotoxin complex) may act to provide stability against denaturation to the botulinum toxin molecule and protection against digestive acids when toxin is ingested. Additionally, it is possible that the larger (greater than about 150 kD molecular weight) botulinum toxin complexes may result in a slower rate of diffusion of the botulinum toxin away from a site of intramuscular injection of a botulinum toxin complex. The toxin complexes can be dissociated into toxin protein and hemagglutinin proteins by treating the complex with red blood cells at pH 7.3. The toxin protein has a marked instability upon removal of the hemagglutinin protein.

All the botulinum toxin serotypes are made by Clostridium botulinum bactena as inactive single chain proteins which must be cleaved or nicked by proteases to become neuroactive. The bacterial strains that make botulinum toxin serotypes A and G possess endogenous proteases and serotypes A and G can therefore be recovered from bacterial cultures in predominantly their active form. In contrast, botulinum toxin serotypes C₁, D, and E are synthesized by nonproteolytic strains and are therefore typically unactivated when recovered from culture. Serotypes B and F are produced by both proteolytic and nonproteolytic strains and therefore can be recovered in either the active or inactive form. However, even the proteolytic strains that produce, for example, the botulinum toxin type B serotype only cleave a portion of the toxin produced. The exact proportion of nicked to unnicked molecules depends on the length of incubation and the temperature of the culture. Therefore, a certain percentage of any preparation of, for example, the botulinum toxin type B toxin is likely to be inactive, possibly accounting for the known significantly lower potency of botulinum toxin type B as compared to botulinum toxin type A. The presence of inactive botulinum toxin molecules in a clinical preparation will contribute to the overall protein load of the preparation, which has been linked to increased antigenicity, without contributing to its clinical efficacy. Additionally, it is known that botulinum toxin type B has, upon intramuscular injection, a shorter duration of activity and is also less potent than botulinum toxin type A at the same dose level.

In vitro studies have indicated that botulinum toxin inhibits potassium cation induced release of both acetylcholine and norepinephrine from primary cell cultures of brainstem tissue. Additionally, it has been reported that botulinum toxin inhibits the evoked release of both glycine and glutamate in primary cultures of spinal cord neurons and that in brain synaptosome preparations botulinum toxin inhibits the release of each of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, CGRP and glutamate.

High quality crystalline botulinum toxin type A can be produced from the Hall A strain of Clostridium botulinum with characteristics of ≧3×10⁷ U/mg, an A₂₆₀/A₂₇₈ of less than 0.60 and a distinct pattern of banding on gel electrophoresis. The known Schantz process can be used to obtain crystalline botulinum toxin type A, as set forth in Schantz, E. J., et al, Properties and use of Botulinum toxin and Other Microbial Neurotoxins in Medicine, Microbiol Rev. 56: 80-99. (1992). Generally, the botulinum toxin type A complex can be isolated and purified from an anaerobic fermentation by cultivating Clostridium botulinum type A in a suitable medium. Raw toxin can be harvested by precipitation with sulfuric acid and concentrated by ultramicrofiltration. Purification can be carried out by dissolving the acid precipitate in calcium chloride. The toxin can then be precipitated with cold ethanol. The precipitate can be dissolved in sodium phosphate buffer and centrifuged. Upon drying there can then be obtained approximately 900 kD crystalline botulinum toxin type A complex with a specific potency of 3×10⁷ LD₅₀ U/mg or greater. This known process can also be used, upon separation out of the non-toxin proteins, to obtain pure botulinum toxins, such as for example: purified botulinum toxin type A with an approximately 150 kD molecular weight with a specific potency of 1-2×10⁸ LD₅₀ U/mg or greater; purified botulinum toxin type B with an approximately 156 kD molecular weight with a specific potency of 1-2×10⁸ LD₅₀ U/mg or greater, and; purified botulinum toxin type F with an approximately 155 kD molecular weight with a specific potency of 1-2×10⁷ LD₅₀ U/mg or greater.

Already prepared and purified botulinum toxins and toxin complexes suitable for preparing pharmaceutical formulations can be obtained from List Biological Laboratories, Inc., Campbell, Calif.; the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, U.K.; Wako (Osaka, Japan), as well as from Sigma Chemicals of St Louis, Mo.

It has been reported that BoNt/A has been used in clinical settings as follows:

-   -   (1) about 75-125 units of BOTOX®¹ per intramuscular injection         (multiple muscles) to treat cervical dystonia;         1 Available from Allergan, Inc., of Irvine, Calif. under the         tradename BOTOX®.     -   (2) 5-10 units of BOTOX® per intramuscular injection to treat         glabellar lines (brow furrows) (5 units injected intramuscularly         into the procerus muscle and 10 units injected intramuscularly         into each corrugator supercilii muscle);     -   (3) about 30-80 units of BOTOX® to treat constipation by         intrasphincter injection of the puborectalis muscle;     -   (4) about 1-5 units per muscle of intramuscularly injected         BOTOX® to treat blepharospasm by injecting the lateral         pre-tarsal orbicularis oculi muscle of the upper lid and the         lateral pre-tarsal orbicularis oculi of the lower lid.     -   (5) to treat strabismus, extraocular muscles have been injected         intramuscularly with between about 1-5 units of BOTOX®, the         amount injected varying based upon both the size of the muscle         to be injected-and the extent of muscle paralysis desired (i.e.         amount of diopter correction desired).     -   (6) to treat upper limb spasticity following stroke by         intramuscular injections of BOTOX® into five different upper         limb flexor muscles, as follows:         -   (a) flexor digitorum profundus: 7.5 U to 30 U         -   (b) flexor digitorum sublimus: 7.5 U to 30 U         -   (c) flexor carpi ulnaris: 10 U to 40 U         -   (d) flexor carpi radialis: 15 U to 60 U         -   (e) biceps brachii: 50 U to 200 U. Each of the five             indicated muscles has been injected at the same treatment             session, so that the patient receives from 90 U to 360 U of             upper limb flexor muscle BOTOX® by intramuscular injection             at each treatment session.     -   (7) to treat migraine, pericranial injected (injected         symmetrically into glabellar, frontalis and temporalis muscles)         injection of 25 U of BOTOX® has showed significant benefit as a         prophylactic treatment of migraine compared to vehicle as         measured by decreased measures of migraine frequency, maximal         severity, associated vomiting and acute medication use over the         three month period following the 25 U injection.

Additionally, intramuscular botulinum toxin has been used in the treatment of tremor in patients with Parkinson's disease, although it has been reported that results have not been impressive. Marjama-Lyons, J., et al., Tremor-Predominant Parkinson's Disease, Drugs & Aging 16(4);273-278:2000.

It is known that botulinum toxin type A can have an efficacy for up to 12 months (European J. Neurology 6 (Supp 4): S111-S1150:1999), and in some circumstances for as long as 27 months. The Laryngoscope 109:1344-1346:1999. However, the usual duration of an intramuscular injection of Botox® is typically about 3 to 4 months.

The success of botulinum toxin type A to treat a variety of clinical conditions has led to interest in other botulinum toxin serotypes. Additionally, pure botulinum toxin has been used in humans. see e.g. Kohl A., et al., Comparison of the effect of botulinum toxin A (Botox (R)) with the highly-purified neurotoxin (NT 201) in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle test, Mov Disord 2000; 15(Suppl 3):165 Hence, a pharmaceutical composition can be prepared using a pure botulinum toxin.

The botulinum toxin molecule (about 150 kDa), as well as the botulinum toxin complexes (about 300-900 kDa), such as the toxin type A complex are also extremely susceptible to denaturation due to surface denaturation, heat, and alkaline conditions. Inactivated toxin forms toxoid proteins which may be immunogenic. The resulting antibodies can render a patient refractory to toxin injection.

As with enzymes generally, the biological activities of the botulinum toxins (which are intracellular peptidases) are dependant, at least in part, upon their three dimensional conformation. Thus, botulinum toxin type A is detoxified by heat, various chemicals surface stretching and surface, drying. Additionally, it is known that dilution of the toxin complex obtained by the known culturing, fermentation and purification to the much, much lower toxin concentrations used for pharmaceutical composition formulation results in rapid detoxification of the toxin unless a suitable stabilizing agent is present. Dilution of the toxin from milligram quantities to a solution containing nanograms per milliliter presents significant difficulties because of the rapid loss of specific toxicity upon such great dilution. Since the toxin may be used months or years after the toxin containing pharmaceutical composition is formulated, the toxin must be stabilized with a stabilizing agent. To date, the only successful stabilizing agent for this purpose has been the animal derived proteins human serum albumin and gelatin. And as indicated, the presence of animal derived proteins in the final formulation presents potential problems in that certain stable viruses, prions, or-other infectious or pathogenic compounds carried through from donors can contaminate the toxin.

Furthermore, any one of the harsh pH, temperature and concentration range conditions required to lyophilize (freeze-dry) or vacuum dry a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition into a toxin shipping and storage format (ready for use or reconstitution by a physician) can detoxify the toxin. Thus, animal derived or donor pool proteins such as gelatin and serum albumin have been used with some success to stabilize botulinum toxin.

A commercially available botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition is sold under the trademark BOTOX® (available from Allergan, Inc., of Irvine, Calif.). BOTOX® consists of a purified botulinum toxin type A-complex, human serum albumin, and sodium chloride packaged in sterile, vacuum-dried form. The botulinum toxin type A is made from a culture of the Hall strain of Clostridium botulinum grown in a medium containing N-Z amine and yeast extract. The botulinum toxin type A complex is purified from the culture solution by a series of acid precipitations to a crystalline-complex consisting of the active high molecular weight toxin protein and an associated hemagglutinin protein. The crystalline complex is re-dissolved in a solution containing saline and albumin and sterile filtered (0.2 microns) prior to vacuum-drying. BOTOX® can be reconstituted with sterile, non-preserved saline prior to intramuscular injection. Each vial of BOTOX® contains about 100 units (U) of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A complex, 0.5 milligrams of human serum albumin and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.

To reconstitute vacuum-dried BOTOX® sterile normal saline without a preservative (0.9% Sodium Chloride injection) is used bydrawing up the proper amount of diluent in the appropriate size syringe. Since BOTOX® is denatured by bubbling or similar violent agitation, the diluent is gently injected into the vial. For sterility reasons, BOTOX® should be administered within four hours after reconstitution. During this time period, reconstituted BOTOX® is stored in a refrigerator (2° to 8° C.). Reconstituted BOTOX® is clear, colorless and free of particulate matter. The vacuum-dried product is stored in a freezer at or below −5° C.

Other commercially available botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical compositions include Dysport® (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin hemagglutinin complex with human serum albumin and lactose in the formulation, available from Ipsen Limited, Berkshire, U.K. as a powder to be reconstituted with 0.9% sodium chloride before use), and MyoBloc™ (an injectable solution comprising botulinum toxin type B, human serum albumin, sodium succinate, and sodium chloride at about pH 5.6, available from Elan Corporation, Dublin, Ireland).

It has been reported that a suitable alternative to human serum albumin as a botulinum toxin stabilizer may be another protein or alternatively a low molecular weight (non-protein) compound. Carpender et al., Interactions of Stabilizing Additives with Proteins During Freeze-Thawing and Freeze-Drying, International Symposium on Biological Product Freeze-Drying and Formulation, Oct. 24-26, 1990; Karger (1992), 225-239.

Many substances commonly used as carriers and bulking agents in pharmaceutical compositions have proven to be unsuitable as albumin replacements in a Clostridial toxin containing pharmaceutical composition. For example, the disaccharide cellobiose has been found to be unsuitable as a botulinum toxin stabilizer. Thus, it is known that the use of cellobiose as an excipient in conjunction with albumin and sodium chloride results in a much:lower level of toxicity (10% recovery) after lyophilization of crystalline botulinum toxin type A with these excipients, as compared to the toxicity after lyophilization with only human serum albumin (>75% to >90% recovery). Goodnough et al., Stabilization of Botulinum Toxin Type A During Lyophilization, App & Envir. Micro. 58 (10) 3426-3428 (1992).

Furthermore, saccharides, including polysaccharides, are in general poor candidates to serve as protein stabilizers. Thus, it is known that a pharmaceutical composition containing a protein active ingredient is inherently unstable if the protein formulation comprises a saccharide (such as glucose or a polymer of glucose) or carbohydrates because proteins and glucose are known to interact together and to undergo the well-described Maillard reaction, due to the reducing nature of glucose and-glucose polymers. Much work has been dedicated to mostly unsuccessful attempts at preventing this protein.-saccharide reaction by, for example, reduction of moisture or use of non-reducing sugars. Significantly, the degradative pathway of the Maillard reaction can result in a therapeutic insufficiency of the protein active ingredient. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising protein and a reducing saccharide, carbohydrate or sugar, such as a glucose polymer, is therefore inherently-unstable and cannot be stored for a long period of time without significant loss of the active ingredient protein's desired biological activity.

Notably, one of the reasons human serum albumin can function effectively as a stabilizer of a protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition is because, albumin, being a protein, does not undergo the Maillard reaction with the protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition. Hence, one would expect to find and to look for a substitute for human serum albumin amongst other proteins.

Finding an appropriate substitute for human serum albumin as a stabilizer of the botulinum toxin present in a pharmaceutical composition is difficult and problematic because human serum albumin is believed to function in a pharmaceutical composition as more than a mere bulking agent. Thus, albumin apparently can interact with botulinum toxin so as to increase the potency of the neurotoxin. For example, it is known that bovine serum albumin can act as more than a mere stabilizing excipient for botulinum toxin type A, since bovine serum albumin apparently also accelerates the rate of catalysis of synthetic peptide substrates, which substrates resemble the SNAP-25 intraneuronal substrate for botulinum toxin type A Schmidt, et al., Endoproteinase Activity of Type A Botulinum Neurotoxin Substrate Requirements and Activation by Serum Albumin, J. of Protein Chemistry, 16 (1), 19-26 (1997). Thus, albumin may have a potentiating effect, apparently by affecting rate kinetics, upon the intracellular proteolytic action of a botulinum toxin upon the toxin's substrate. This potentiating effect may be due to albumin which has accompanied the botulinum toxin upon endocytosis of the toxin into a target neuron or the potentiating effect may be due to the pre-existing presence cytoplasmic albumin within the neuron protein prior to endocytosis of the botulinum toxin.

The discovery of the presence of a kinetic rate stimulatory effect by bovine serum albumin upon the proteolytic activity of botulinum toxin type A renders the search for a suitable substitute for albumin in a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical formulation especially problematic. Thus, an albumin substitute with desirable toxin stabilization characteristics may have an unknown and possibly deleterious effect upon the rate of substrate catalysis by the toxin, since at least with regard to bovine serum albumin the two characteristics (toxin stabilization and toxin substrate catalysis potentiation) are apparently inherent to the same albumin excipient. This potentiating effect of albumin shows that albumin does not act as a mere excipient in the formulation and therefore renders the search for a suitable substitute for albumin more difficult.

Additionally there are many unique characteristics of botulinum toxin and its formulation into a suitable pharmaceutical composition which constrain and hinder and render the search for a replacement for the albumin used in current botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical formulations very problematic. Examples of four of these unique characteristics follow.

First, botulinum toxin is a relatively large protein for incorporation into a pharmaceutical formulation (the molecular weight of the botulinum toxin type A complex is 900 kD) and is therefore is inherently fragile and labile. The size of the toxin complex-makes it much more friable and labile than smaller, less complex proteins, thereby compounding the formulation and handling difficulties if toxin stability is to be maintained. Hence, an albumin replacement must be able to interact with the toxin in a manner which does not denature, fragment or otherwise detoxify the toxin molecule or cause disassociation of the non-toxin proteins present in the toxin complex.

Second, as the most lethal known biological product, exceptional safety, precision, and accuracy is called for at all steps of the formulation of a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition. Thus, a preferred potential albumin replacer should not itself be toxic or difficult to handle so as to not exacerbate the already extremely stringent botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition formulation requirements.

Third, since botulinum toxin was the first microbial toxin to be approved (by the FDA in 1989) for injection for the treatment of human disease, specific protocols had to be developed and approved for the culturing, bulk production, formulation into a pharmaceutical and use of botulinum toxin. Important considerations are toxin purity and dose for injection. The production by culturing and the purification must be carried out so that the toxin is not exposed to any substance that might contaminate the final product in even trace amounts and cause undue reactions in the patient. These restrictions require culturing in simplified medium without the use of animal meat products and purification by procedures not involving synthetic solvents or resins. Preparation of toxin using enzymes, various exchangers, such as those present in chromatography columns and synthetic solvents can introduce contaminants and are therefore excluded from preferred formulation steps. Furthermore, botulinum toxin type A is readily denatured at temperatures above 40 degrees C., loses toxicity when bubbles form at the air/liquid interface, and denatures in the presence of nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

Fourth, particular difficulties exist to stabilize botulinum toxin type A, because type A consists of a toxin molecule of about 150 kD in noncovalent association with nontoxin proteins weighing about 750 kD. The nontoxin proteins are believed to preserve or help stabilize the secondary and tertiary structures upon which toxicity is dependant. Procedures or protocols applicable to the stabilization of nonproteins or to relatively smaller proteins are not applicable to the problems inherent with stabilization of the botulinum toxin complexes, such as the 900 kD botulinum toxin type A complex. Thus while from pH 3.5 to 6.8 the type A toxin and non toxin proteins are bound together noncovalently, under slightly alkaline conditions (pH >7.1) the very labile toxin is released from the toxin complex. As set forth previously, pure botulinum toxin (i.e the 150 kD molecule) has been proposed as the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition.

In light of the unique nature of botulinum toxin and the requirements set forth above, the probability of finding a suitable albumin replacement for the human serum albumin used in current botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical compositions must realistically be seen to approach zero. Prior to the present invention, only the animal derived proteins, human serum albumin and gelatin, had been known to have utility as suitable stabilizers of the botulinum toxin present in a pharmaceutical formulation. Thus, albumin, by itself or with one or more additional substances such as sodium phosphate or sodium citrate, is known to permit high recovery of toxicity of botulinum toxin type A after lyophilization. Unfortunately, as already set forth, human serum albumin, as a pooled blood product, can, at least potentially, carry infectious or disease causing elements when present in a pharmaceutical composition. Indeed, any animal product or protein such as human serum albumin or gelatin can also potentially contain pyrogens or other substances that can cause adverse reactions upon injection into a patient.

Chinese patent application CN 1215084A discusses an albumin free botulinum toxin type A formulated with gelatin, an animal derived protein. U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,327 also discloses a composition of botulinum toxin types A and B formulated with gelatin. These formulations therefore do not eliminate the risk of transmitting an animal protein derived or accompanying infectious element.

Acetylcholine

Typically only a single type of small molecule neurotransmitter is released by each type of neuron in the mammalian nervous system. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is secreted by neurons in many areas of the brain, but specifically by the large pyramidal cells of the motor cortex, by several different neurons in the basal ganglia, by the motor neurons that innervate the skeletal muscles, by the preganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system (both sympathetic and parasympathetic), by the postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system, and by some of the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. Essentially, only the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers to the sweat glands, the piloerector muscles and a few blood vessels are cholinergic as most of the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system secret the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. In most instances acetylcholine has an excitatory effect. However, acetylcholine is known to have inhibitory effects at some of the peripheral parasympathetic nerve endings, such as inhibition of heart rate by the vagal nerve.

The efferent signals of the autonomic nervous system are transmitted to the body through either the sympathetic nervous system or the parasympathetic nervous system. The preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system extend from preganglionic sympathetic neuron cell bodies located in the intermediolateral horn of the spinal cord. The preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers, extending from the cell body, synapse with postganglionic neurons located in either a paravertebral sympathetic ganglion or in a prevertebral ganglion. Since, the preganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are cholinergic, application of acetylcholine to the ganglia will excite both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons.

Acetylcholine activates two types of receptors, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. The muscarinic receptors are found in all effector cells stimulated by the postganglionic, neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system as well as in those stimulated by the postganglionic cholinergic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. The nicotinic receptors are found in the adrenal medulla, as well as within the autonomic ganglia, that is on the cell surface of the postganglionic neuron at the synapse between the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Nicotinic receptors are also found in many nonautonomic nerve endings, for example in the membranes of skeletal muscle fibers at the neuromuscular junction.

Acetylcholine is released from cholinergic neurons when small, clear, intracellular vesicles fuse with the presynaptic neuronal cell membrane. A wide variety of non-neuronal secretory cells, such as, adrenal medulla (as well as the PC12 cell line) and pancreatic islet cells release catecholamines and parathyroid hormone, respectively, from large dense-core vesicles. The PC12 cell line is a clone of rat pheochromocytoma cells extensively used as a tissue culture model for studies of sympathoadrenal development. Botulinum toxin inhibits the release of both types of compounds from both types of cells in vitro, permeabilized (as by electroporation) or by direct injection of the toxin into the denervated cell. Botulinum toxin is also known to block release of the neurotransmitter glutamate from cortical synaptosomes cell cultures.

A neuromuscular junction is formed in skeletal muscle by the proximity of axons to muscle cells. A signal transmitted through the nervous system results in an action potential at the terminal axon, with activation of ion channels and resulting release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from intraneuronal synaptic vesicles, for example at the motor endplate of the neuromuscular junction. The acetylcholine crosses the extracellular space to bind with acetylcholine receptor proteins on the surface of the muscle end plate. Once sufficient binding has occurred, an action potential of the muscle cell causes specific membrane ion channel changes, resulting in muscle cell contraction. The acetylcholine is then released from the muscle cells and metabolized by cholinesterases in the extracellular space. The metabolites are recycled back into the terminal axon for reprocessing into further acetylcholine.

Hydroxyethyl Starch

A polysaccharide can be made up of hundreds or even thousands of monosaccharide units held together by glycoside (ether) linkages. Two important polysaccharides are cellulose and starch. Cellulose is the chief structural material in plants, giving plants their rigidity and form. Starch makes up the reserve food supply of plants and is found mainly in various seeds and tubers.

Starch occurs as granules whose size and shape are characteristic of the plant from which the starch is obtained. In general about 80% of starch is a water insoluble fraction called amylopectin. Amylopectin is made up of chains of D-glucose (as glucopyranose) units, each unit being joined by an alpha glycoside linkage to C-4 of the next glucose unit. Like starch, cellulose is also made up of chains of D-glucose units, where each unit is joined by a glucoside linkage to the C-4 of the next unit. Unlike starch though, the glycoside linkages in cellulose are beta linkages. Treatment of cellulose with sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride yields the disaccharide cellobiose. As previously set forth, attempts to stabilize botulinum toxin using cellobiose have been unsuccessful.

A particular starch derivative which can be obtained by treating starch with pyridine and ethylene chlorohydrin, is 2-hydroxyethyl starch, also called hetastarch. U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,916 discloses a combination of a nonionic surfactant and hydroxyethyl starch to stabilize aqueous solutions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

Additionally, a 6% aqueous solution of 2-hydroxyethyl starch (hetastarch) (available from Du Pont Pharma, Wilmington, Del. under the trade name HESPAN®, 6% hetastarch in 0.9% sodium chloride injection) is. known. Albumin is known to act as a plasma volume expander upon intravenous administration to a patient. HESPAN® has also been administrated to patients to achieve a plasma volume expansion effect and in that sense intravenous HESPAN® can be considered a replacement for intravenous albumin.

Hetastarch is an artificial colloid derived from a waxy starch composed almost entirely of amylopectin. Hetastarch can be obtained by introducing hydroxyethyl ether groups onto glucose units of the, starch, and the resultant material can then be hydrolyzed to yield a product with a molecular weight suitable for use as a plasma volume expander. Hetastarch is characterized by its molar substitution and also by its molecular weight. The molar substitution can be approximately 0.75, meaning that hetastarch is etherified to the extent that for every 100 glucose units of hetastarch there are, on average, approximately 75 hydroxyethyl substituent groups. The average molecular weight of hetastarch is approximately 670 kD with a range of 450 kD to 800 kD and with at least 80% of the polymer units falling within the range of 20 kD to 2,500 kD. Hydroxyethyl groups are attached by ether linkages primarily at C-2 of the glucose unit and to a lesser extent at C-3 and C-6. The polymer resembles glycogen, and the polymerized D-glucose units are joined primarily by α-1,4 linkages with occasional α-1,6 branching linkages. The degree of branching is approximately 1:20, meaning that there is an average of approximately one α-1,6 branch for every 20 glucose monomer units. Hetastarch is comprised of more than. 90% amylopectin.

The plasma volume expansion produced by HESPAN® can approximate that obtained with albumin. Hetastarch molecules below 50 kD molecular weight are rapidly eliminated by renal excretion and a single dose of approximately 500 mL of HESPAN® (approximately 30 g) results in elimination in the urine of approximately 33% of the administered HESPAN® within about 24 hours. The hydroxyethyl group of hydroxyethyl starch is not cleaved in vivo, but remains intact and attached to glucose units when excreted. Significant quantities of glucose are not produced as hydroxyethylation prevents complete metabolism of the smaller hydroxyethyl starch polymers

Cellulose can likewise be converted to a hydroxyethyl cellulose. The average molecular weight of 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (a 2-hydroxyethyl ether of cellulose) is about 90 kD. Unfortunately, hydroxyethyl cellulose, unlike hydroxyethyl starch, is highly reactive and therefore unsuited for use as a stabilizer of a protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation.

Pharmaceutical Compositions for Veterinary Use

Non human animals (or “animals” in this section) can suffer from maladies and injuries that are painful and difficult to treat. For example, some canine breeds, such as German Shepherds, commonly suffer from hip dysplasia, and may require corrective surgery, such as hip replacement. Horses may suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, such as colic, that may result in significant pain. Similarly, race horses frequently suffer from fractured or broken bones. Horses may also suffer flexor tendon and suspensory ligament injury. Ponies are particularly susceptible to founder, a painful crippling disorder specific to horses. Additionally, juvenile birds, such as parrots can be afflicted with scoliosis

Additionally, non human animals may be subjected to painful and irreversible procedures, such as denervation, to modify involuntary natural behaviors, for example ear and tail twitching, in show horses for example. Such drastic procedures are performed for cosmetic reasons. No other humane remedy currently exists to correct such undesirable traits. These procedures permanently damage the animals.

Animals may also cause severe injury to themselves due to what would be a mild condition in humans. Wounds are often exacerbated by stall rubbing in horses resulting in insufficient healing and chronic sores. Sores and skin irritation can result in serious infection in this manner. Other maladies not seen in human patients exist in animals. For example, flies and parasites cause discomfort and act as vectors for disease. Dogs often require hospitalization and or restraint due to biting and scratching related to fleas and mange. Collars are often placed around the animal's neck to prevent the animal from scratching ears affected by mites or surgical procedures. These maladies, if mediated for a time sufficient for the affected area to heal or the parasite to be removed, can be avoided, relieving the animal of suffering and symptoms.

A significant barrier in treating animals and promoting their recovery from injury or surgery is due to an inability to instruct the animal about proper rest and rehabilitation procedures. The difficulty of immobilizing an animal may result in re-injury, self-injury, and/or improper healing. Minor injuries often become catastrophic due to the difficulty of immobilizing animals during and after treatment. Many times the animal must be destroyed. In addition, wild animals (e.g., non-domestic animals) that pose a danger to others or themselves may need to be immobilized to safely return the animal to its native environment. Typically, these animals are tranquilized and moved, or are killed.

Another problem when treating animals arises from the difficulty in administering proper dosages. Animals do not readily swallow oral dosage forms of medicine and often offer violent resistance to injections. Frequent application of short-acting drugs may therefore not be possible. Accordingly, as opposed to humans, animals may require long-acting, single injection pharmaceuticals to receive adequate benefit from the drug.

While pharmaceutical compositions containing human protein may not present problems from a single administration, except in certain individuals or species, repeated dosing may initiate immune responses in animals, including anaphylactic shock. As discussed above, current formulations of botulinum toxin include human serum albumin (HSA) as a stabilizing excipient. These formulations may present serious problems for veterinary use because the presence of a human protein may induce immunogenic responses in other animal species, limiting the efficacy, utility, and safety of the drug. Formulations which do not contain HSA as an excipient; however, should not produce these antibodies. The lack of suitable formulations of botulinum toxin for use in treating non-human animals has impeded the development of methods of using botulinum toxin in veterinary medicine.

Indeed, the majority, if not all, of research regarding the therapeutic aspects of botulinum toxin has focused on the use of botulinum toxin for treating human diseases or ailments. As a necessary precursor, botulinum toxin has experimentally been administered to animals to examine its safety and efficacy in animal models of human diseases. For example, botulinum toxin type B has been administered to mice to treat thermal hyperalgesia (Tsuda et al., (1999) “In, vivo pathway of thermal hyperalgesia by intrathecal administration of β-methylene ATP in mouse spinal cord: Involvement of the glutamate-NMDA receptor system”, Br. J. Pharmacol., 127(2):449-456). In addition, botulinum toxin type A has been:

-   -   administered to piglets to relieve lower esophageal sphincter         (LES) pressure (U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,291, entitled “Method for         treating gastrointestinal muscle disorders and other smooth         muscle dysfunction”);     -   injected into gastric wall of rats to treat obesity (Gui et         al., (2000) “Botulinum toxin injected in the gastric wall         reduces body weight and food intake in rats”, Aliment Pharmacol         Ther., 14(6):829-834);     -   used to assess the efficacy of the neurotoxin to produce better         scar formation from facial cosmetic surgery in non-human         primates (Gassner et al., (2000) Plast. Reconst. Surg.,         105(6):1948-1953);     -   administered to rats to examine its ability to reduce pain (Aoki         et al., (2000) “Methods for treating pain”, U.S. Pat. No.         6,113,915;     -   administered to rats and dogs to alter vocal cord dynamics for         treating spasmodic dysphonia and vocal cord paralysis in humans         (Inagi et al., (1998) “Physiologic assessment of botulinum toxin         effects-in the rat larynx”, Laryngoscope, 108(7):1048-1054; and         Cohen and Thompson (1987) “Use of botulinum toxin to lateralize         true vocal cords: a biochemical method to relieve bilateral         abductor vocal cord paralysis”, Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol.,         96(5):534-41); and     -   administered to the obicularis oculi muscle of the guinea pig to         examine the efficacy of the toxin to treat eye lid spasms (Hom         et al., (1993) “Botulinum toxin paralysis of the orbicularis         oculi muscle. Types and time course of alterations in muscle         structure, physiology and lid kinematics”, Exp. Brain Res.,         96(1):39-53).

In addition, a botulinum toxin has been administered to rabbits to assess the immunogenicity of the toxin when conjugated with human serum albumin (HSA).

Because the administration of botulinum toxin to animals has only been examined experimentally as a model for treating humans with botulinum toxin, researchers have not been concerned with long-term effects of the neurotoxin on animals. In particular, the art has not addressed the immunogenicity of the botulinum toxin compositions in the non-human animals receiving the neurotoxin. Thus, it would be beneficial to have a neurotoxin composition with reduced immunogenicity for use in veterinary care, and convenient and effective methods for immobilizing or treating non-human animals.

What is needed therefore is a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition which is free of animal derived proteins such as a blood pooled or blood fraction derived serum albumin or gelatin.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph (a chromatogram) which shows the molecular weight distribution (higher molecular weight moieties are to the left) of a commercially available human serum albumin (top graph A) and of a commercially available recombinant albumin (bottom graph B). The x axis represents elution time in minutes using size exclusion HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) in TSK-3000 buffer. The y axis represents the UV response at the detection wavelength of 280 nm.

FIG. 2 is a graph (a chromatogram) which shows the molecular weight distribution (higher molecular weight moieties are to the left) of Formulation A (an HSA botulinum toxin formulation, see Table 1) (top graph C) and of Formulation B (a rHSA botulinum toxin formulation, see Table 1) (bottom graph D). The x and y axes are as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bar graph which shows the potency in mouse LD₅₀ units (the y axis) of six different botulinum toxin formulations (A-F) (along the x axis) upon the making of the formulations (i.e. at T₀) and after six months storage at −5 degrees C. (i.e. at T₆).

SUMMARY

The present invention meets this need and provides a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition which is free of animal derived proteins such as a blood pooled or blood fraction derived human serum albumin or gelatin. One embodiment of the present invention is a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition wherein the primary stabilizer present in the formulation is a recombinantly made albumin.

The present invention encompasses new pharmaceutical compositions, embodiments of which can provide a superior replacement (i.e. by use of a recombinant albumin, with or without additional stabilizers) for the serum or native albumin present as a primary stabilizer in a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, my invention encompasses new, stabilized botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions, which can have the additional and desirable characteristics of enhanced potency and/or an enhanced antimicrobial activity. The serum or native albumin replacement compound used has the characteristic of low, and preferably negligible, immunogenicity when injected into a patient. Additionally, the preferred human serum albumin replacer has a rapid rate of clearance from the body after injection of the pharmaceutical composition.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition which is specific to non human animals.

Definitions

As used herein, the words or terms set forth below have the following definitions.

“About” means that the item, parameter or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated item, parameter or term.

“Administration”, or “to administer” means the step of giving (i.e. administering) a pharmaceutical composition to a subject. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are “locally administered”. Systemic (i.e. intravenous or oral) routes of administration are excluded from the scope of the present invention, to the extent that a systemic administration would result in systemic effects of a systemically administered active ingredient. Systemic administration of a targeted active ingredient which does not result in systemic effects is not excluded from the scope of the present invention. Local administration includes, but is not limited to, intramuscular (i.m.) administration, intradermal administration, subcutaneous administration, intrathecal administration, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, topical contact, and implantation of a slow-release device such as polymeric implant or miniosmotic pump.

“Amino acid” includes polyamino acids.

“Animal protein free” means the absence of blood derived, blood pooled and other animal derived products or compounds. “Animal” means a mammal (such as a human), bird, reptile, fish, insect, spider or other animal species. “Animal” excludes microorganisms, such as bacteria. Thus, an animal protein free pharmaceutical composition can include a Clostridial neurotoxin. For example, an animal protein free pharmaceutical composition means a pharmaceutical composition which is either substantially free or essentially free or entirely free of a serum derived albumin, gelatin and other animal derived proteins, such as immunoglobulins. An example of an animal protein free pharmaceutical composition is a pharmaceutical composition which comprises or which consists of a botulinum toxin (as the active ingredient) and a recombinantly made albumin or other recombinantly made stabilizer or excipient.

“Botulinum toxin” means a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum , as well as a botulinum toxin (or the light chain or the heavy chain thereof) made recombinantly by a non-Clostridial species. The phrase “botulinum toxin”, as used herein, encompasses the botulinum toxin serotypes A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Botulinum toxin, as used herein, also encompasses both a botulinum toxin complex (i.e. the 300, 600 and 900 kDa complexes) as well as the purified botulinum toxin (i.e. about 150 kDa). “Purified botulinum toxin” is defined as a botulinum toxin that is isolated, or substantially isolated, from other proteins, including proteins that form a botulinum toxin complex. A purified botulinum toxin may be greater than 95% pure, and preferably is greater than 99% pure.

“Clostridial neurotoxin” means a neurotoxin produced from, or native to, a Clostridial bacterium, such as Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium butyricum or Clostridium beratti, as well as a Clostridial neurotoxin made recombinantly by a non-Clostridial species.

“Domesticated animal” means an animal that has adapted to human habitats.

Domesticated animals, as defined herein, are tame animals. Accordingly, animals that live with humans, such as pets, are domesticated animals. Farm animals are also domesticated animals as disclosed herein. Laboratory animals are not domesticated animals in reference to the disclosure herein. Humans are not domesticated animals.

“Enhanced antimicrobial activity” with regard to a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition means that the composition (i.e. a zinc containing botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with either HSA or rHSA as the primary stabilizer) does not support or supports to a lesser extent the growth of a particular microorganism, as compared to a reference (i.e. lacking zinc) botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.

“Enhanced potency” with regard to a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition means that the composition has a potency (as determined, for example, by the mouse LD₅₀ assay) which is from at least 5% and up to 40%, or more, greater than the potency of a reference botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition. A reference botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition can contain a botulinum toxin, sodium chloride, HSA And no zinc.

“Entirely free (i.e. “consisting of” terminology) means that within the detection range of the instrument or process being used, the substance cannot be detected or its presence cannot be confirmed.

“Essentially free” (or “consisting essentially of”) means that only trace amounts of the substance can be detected.

“Immobilizing” means a step that prevents a subject from moving one or more body parts. If a sufficient number of body parts are immobilized, the subject will accordingly be immobilized. Thus, “immobilizing” encompasses the immobilization of a body part, such as a limb, and/or the complete immobilization of a subject.

“Modified botulinum toxin” means a botulinum toxin that has had at least one of its amino acids deleted, modified, or replaced, as compared to a native botulinum toxin. Additionally, the modified botulinum toxin can be a recombinantly produced neurotoxin, or a derivative or fragment of a recombinantly made neurotoxin. A modified botulinum toxin retains at least one biological activity of the native botulinum toxin, such as, the ability to bind to a botulinum toxin receptor, or the ability to inhibit neurotransmitter release from a neuron. One example of a modified botulinum toxin is a botulinum toxin that has a light chain from one botulinum toxin serotype (such as serotype A), and a heavy chain from a different botulinum toxin serotype (such as serotype B). Another example of a modified botulinum toxin is a botulinum toxin coupled to a neurotransmitter, such as substance P.

“Patient” means a human or non-human subject receiving medical or veterinary care. Accordingly, as disclosed herein, the compositions may be used in treating any animal, such as mammals.

“Pharmaceutical composition” means a formulation in which an active ingredient can be a neurotoxin, such as a Clostridial neurotoxin. The word “formulation” means that there is at least one additional ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition besides a neurotoxin active ingredient. A pharmaceutical composition is therefore a formulation which is suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic administration (i.e. by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or by insertion of a depot or implant) to a subject, such as a human patient. The pharmaceutical composition can be: in a lyophilized or vacuum dried condition; a solution formed after reconstitution of the lyophilized or vacuum dried pharmaceutical composition with saline or water, or; as a solution which does not require reconstitution. The neurotoxin active ingredient can be one of the botulinum toxin serotypes A, B, C₁, D, E, F or G or a tetanus toxin, all of which can be made natively by Clostridial bacteria. As stated, a pharmaceutical composition can be liquid or solid, for example vacuum-dried. The constituent ingredients of a pharmaceutical composition can be included in a single composition (that is all the constituent ingredients, except for any required reconstitution fluid, are present at the time of initial compounding of the pharmaceutical composition) or as a two-component system, for example a vacuum-dried composition reconstituted with a diluent such as saline which diluent contains an ingredient not present in the initial compounding of the pharmaceutical composition. A two-component system provides the benefit of allowing incorporation of ingredients which are not sufficiently compatible for long-term shelf storage with the first component of the two component system. For example, the reconstitution vehicle or diluent may include a preservative which provides sufficient protection against microbial growth for the use period, for example one-week of refrigerated storage, but is not present during the two-year freezer storage period during which time it might degrade the toxin. Other ingredients, which may not be compatible with a Clostridial toxin or other ingredients for long periods of time, may be incorporated in this manner; that is, added in a second vehicle (i.e. in the reconstitution fluid) at the approximate time of use.

“Polysacchadde” means a polymer of more than two saccharide molecule monomers, which monomers can be identical or different.

“Protein stabilizer” (or “primary stabilizer”) is a chemical agent that assists to preserve or maintain the biological structure (i.e. the three dimensional conformation) and/or biological activity of a protein (such as a Clostridial neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin). Stabilizers can be proteins or polysaccharides. Examples of protein stabilizers include hydroxyethyl starch (hetastarch), serum albumin, gelatin, collagen, as well as a recombinant albumin, gelatin or collagen. As disclosed herein, the primary stabilizer can be a synthetic agent that would not produce an immunogenic response (or produces an attenuated immune response) in a subject receiving a composition containing the primary stabilizer. In other embodiments of the invention, the protein stabilizers may be proteins from the same species of animal that is being administered the protein. Additional stabilizers may also be included in a pharmaceutical composition. These additional or secondary stabilizers may be used alone or in combination with primary stabilizers, such as proteins and polysaccharides. Exemplary secondary stabilizers include, but are not limited to non-oxidizing amino acid derivatives (such as a tryptophan derivate, such as N-acetyl-tryptophan (“NAT”)), caprylate (i.e. sodium caprylate), a polysorbate (i.e. P80), amino acids, and divalent metal cations such as zinc. A pharmaceutical composition can also include preservative agents such as benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, phenol, parabens and sorbic acid. A “recombinant stabilizer” is a “primary stabilizer” made by recombinant means, such as for example, a recombinantly made albumin (such as a recombinantly made human serum albumin), collagen, gelatin or a cresol, such as an M-cresol.

“Stabilizing”, “stabilizes”, or “stabilization” mean that a pharmaceutical active ingredient (“PAI”) retains at least 20% and up to 100% of its biological activity (which can be assessed as potency or as toxicity by an in vivo LD₅₀ or Eb₅₀ measure) in the presence of a compound which is stabilizing, stabilizes or which provides stabilization to the PAI. For example, upon (1) preparation of serial dilutions from a bulk or stock solution, or (2) upon reconstitution with saline or water of a lyophilized, or vacuum dried botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition which has been stored at or below about −2 degrees C. for between six months and four years, or (3) for an aqueous solution botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition which has been stored at between about 2 degrees and about 8 degrees C. for from six months to four years, the botulinum toxin present in the reconstituted or aqueous solution pharmaceutical composition has (in the presence of a compound which is stabilizing, stabilizes or which provides stabilization to the PAI) greater than about 20% and up to about 100% of the potency or toxicity that the biologically active botulinum toxin had prior to being incorporated into the pharmaceutical composition.

“Substantially free” means present at a level of less than one percent by weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

“Therapeutic formulation” means a formulation can be used to treat and thereby alleviate a disorder or a disease, such as a disorder or a disease characterized by hyperactivity (i.e. spasticity) of a peripheral muscle.

A pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention can comprise a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin, and a recombinant stabilizer. A pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention can also consist essentially of a botulinum toxin, and a recombinant stabilizer. Additionally, pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention can consist of a botulinum toxin, and a recombinant stabilizer.

The botulinum toxin can be present as a botulinum toxin complex (i.e. as an approximately 300 to about 900 kiloDalton complex depending upon the particular botulinum toxin serotype) or the botulinum toxin can be is present as a pure or purified botulinum toxin (i.e. as the botulinum toxin molecule of about 150 kiloDaltons). Additionally, the recombinant stabilizer can be a recombinant albumin, a recombinant collagen, a recombinant gelatin or other recombinant primary stabilizer. The pharmaceutical composition can also comprise a secondary stabilizer, such as a metal (i.e. zinc) or NAT.

Significantly, a pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention can have an enhanced potency or stability. By enhanced potency it is meant that the potency of a first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition is greater than the potency of a second botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition. For example a first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition can comprise a recombinant primary stabilizer (such as a r-HSA) and a second botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition can comprise a non-recombinant primary stabilizer (such as HSA). Alternately, a first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition can comprise one or more secondary stabilizers (such as zinc and/or NAT) whereas a second botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition lacks one or more of the secondary stabilizers present in the first pharmaceutical composition. Potency and relative potencies can be determined by a method used to determine a biological activity of a botulinum toxin, such as a mouse LD₅₀ assay. Generally, greater potency means that a lesser amount (i.e. fewer units) of a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition is required to paralyze a muscle. Preferably, a first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition has at least a 5% greater potency (and as much as a 40% greater potency) than does a second botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.

Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention can have an enhanced anti-microbial activity. By enhanced anti-microbial activity it is meant that the ability of a first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with a particular component to inhibit the growth in a liquid solution of a particular microorganism is greater than the ability of a liquid solution of a second botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition without the particular component present in the first botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition to inhibit the growth of the same microorganism under the same conditions.

A preferred embodiment of my invention comprises a botulinum toxin (such as botulinum toxin type A) and a recombinant albumin. An alternate preferred embodiment of my invention comprises a botulinum toxin, NAT, and zinc.

Another preferred embodiment of my invention is a pharmaceutical composition which can comprise (or which can consist essentially of or which can consist of) a botulinum toxin, a primary stabilizer, and a secondary stabilizer. The, primary stabilizer can be a recombinant stabilizer (such as r-HSA) and the secondary stabilizer can be a metal, such as zinc. Other suitable secondary stabilizers can include caprylate (octanoate) and NAT.

A pharmaceutical composition within the scope of the present invention can also include a neurotoxin, and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide stabilizes the neurotoxin. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can have a pH of between about 5 and 7.3 when reconstituted or upon injection. The average molecular weight of a disaccharide unit of the polysaccharide is preferably between about 345 D and about 2,000 D. In a more preferred embodiment, the average molecular weight of a disaccharide unit of the polysaccharide is between about 350 kD and about 1,000 kD and in a most preferred embodiment between about 375 D and about 700 D. Additionally, the polysaccharide can comprise at least about 70% amylopectin. Furthermore, the weight average molecular weight of the polysaccharide itself is between about 20 kD and about 2,500 kD.

Preferably, substantially all of the disaccharide units of the polysaccharide comprise ether linked glucopyranose molecules. An average of about 4 to about 10 of the hydroxyl groups present on each 10 of the glucopyranoses present in the polysaccharide are substituted, through an ether linkage, with a compound of the formula (CH₂)_(n)—OH, where n can be an integer from 1 to 10. More preferably, n is an integer between 1 and 3.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an average of about 6 to about 9 of the hydroxyl groups present on each 10 of the glucopyranoses present in the polysaccharide are substituted, through an ether linkage, with a compound of the formula (CH₂)_(n)—OH, where n can be an integer from 1 to 10. And in a most preferred embodiment, an average of about 7 to about 8 of the hydroxyl groups present on each 10 of the glucopyranoses present in the polysaccharide are substituted, through an ether linkage, with a compound of the formula (CH₂)_(n)—OH, where n can be an integer from 1 to 10.

A detailed embodiment of the present invention can be a pharmaceutical composition suitable for injection into a human patient, which includes a botulinum toxin, and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide can comprise a plurality of linked glucopyranose units, each glucopyranose unit having: a plurality of hydroxyl groups, wherein an average of about 6 to about 9 of the hydroxyl groups present on each 10 of the glucopyranoses present in the polysaccharide are substituted, through an ether linkage, with a compound of the formula (CH₂)_(n)—OH, where n can be an integer from 1 to 4. The polysaccharide can be an ethyl ether substituted polysaccharide.

The pharmaceutical composition is suitable for administration to a human patent to achieve a therapeutic effect, and the neurotoxin can be one of the botulinum toxin serotypes A, B, C₁, D, E , F and G. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a botulinum toxin, and a hydroxyethyl starch.

Another embodiment of the present invention can encompass a pharmaceutical composition which includes a botulinum toxin, a polysaccharide, and an amino acid or a polyamino acid.

Whether the pharmaceutical composition comprises, beside the neurotoxin active ingredient, only a polysaccharide stabilizer, only an amino acid stabilizer or both polysaccharide and amino acid stabilizers, the pharmaceutical composition retains its potency substantially unchanged for six month, one year, two year, three year and/or four year periods when stored at a temperature between about −1° C. and about −15° C. Additionally, the indicated pharmaceutical compositions can have a potency or % recovery of between about 20% and about 100% upon reconstitution. Alternately or in addition, the pharmaceutical composition can have a potency of between about 10 U/mg and about 30 U/mg upon reconstitution, such as a potency of about 20 U/mg upon reconstitution. Significantly, the pharmaceutical composition is devoid of any albumin. Thus, the pharmaceutical composition can be substantially free of any non-toxin complex proteins. Notably, the amino acid can be present in an amount of between about 0.5 mg and about 1.5 mg of amino acid per 100 units of botulinum toxin.

The polysaccharide can be a starch such as a hydroxyethyl starch, which, when the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 100 units of the botulinum toxin, there can be between about 500 μg and about 700 μg of the hydroxyethyl starch present. Preferably, the botulinum toxin is botulinum toxin type A, and the amino acid, when present, is selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine and arginine.

A further detailed embodiment of the present invention can be a stable, high potency, non-pyrogenic, vacuum dried botulinum toxin type A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a botulinum toxin type A complex, a polysaccharide, and, an amino acid or a polyamino acid. The pharmaceutical composition can be albumin free, have a 1 year shelf life at −5 C. with about 90% potency immediately upon reconstitution with saline or water and about 80% potency 72 hours after reconstitution and storage at 2 C. Additionally, the pharmaceutical composition can have a specific toxicity of at least about 10⁷ U/mg upon reconstitution.

My invention also encompasses a botulinum toxin formulation which comprises a botulinum toxin hydroxyethyl starch (HES) glycine and providine.

The present invention also encompasses a lyophilized or vacuum dried pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a high molecular weight polysaccharide and a botulinum toxin, wherein the botulinum toxin is stabilized by the high molecular weight polysaccharide. The high molecule weight polysaccharide can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethyl starch, hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxybutyl starch, and hydroxypentyl starch and The botulinum toxin can be selected from the group consisting of botulinum toxin types A, B, C₁, D, E, F and G.

The polysaccharide can be present in the pharmaceutical composition in an amount of between about 1×10⁻⁹ moles of the polysaccharide per unit of a botulinum toxin to about 2×10⁻¹² moles of the polysaccharide per unit of the botulinum toxin.

The present invention also includes (a) a method for making a pharmaceutical composition, comprising the step of preparing a mixture of a botulinum toxin and a polysaccharide comprised of covalently linked repeating monomers, wherein the average monomer molecular weight is between about 350 D and about 1,000 D, and (b) a method for stabilizing a clostridial neurotoxin against denaturation or aggregation, the method comprising the step of contacting a clostridial neurotoxin with a stabilizing composition comprising a polysaccharide. The contacting step in this later method can comprise the step of adding to an aqueous solution or to a lyophilized or vacuum dried powder containing a clostridial neurotoxin an effective amount of the polysaccharide.

A further aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a botulinum toxin, and a recombinantly made albumin. This composition preferably also includes an acetyltryptophanate and salts and derivatives thereof.

An additional embodiment of the present invention is a device for injecting a pharmaceutical composition comprising a dual chamber prefilled syringe, one chamber of which syringe contains a botulinum toxin and the second chamber of which syringe contains a diluent or buffer.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for using a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising the step of local administration of the pharmaceutical composition to a patient to achieve a therapeutic effect, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a botulinum toxin, a polysaccharide and an amino acid.

Significantly, my invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a botulinum toxin, and an amino acid. My invention also includes a stable pharmaceutical composition, consisting essentially of a botulinum toxin, and an amino acid. These pharmaceutical compositions can be albumin free, polysaccharide free, has a 1 year shelf life at −5 C. with at least about 90% potency upon reconstitution with saline or water and about 80% potency 72 hours after reconstitution and storage at 2 C.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for immobilizing a mammal comprises the step of administering a composition, which comprises at least one botulinum toxin serotype and a polysaccharide that stabilizes the botulinum toxin and is nonimmunogenic to the mammal. In one embodiment, the foregoing method may be practiced by administering a composition comprising a hetastarch. In another embodiment of the invention, a method for immobilizing a mammal, comprises the step of administering a composition to the mammal, wherein the composition comprises (i) at least one botulinum toxin serotype, and (ii) a polysaccharide, which comprises a plurality of linked glucopyranose units that each have a plurality of hydroxyl groups present on each of the glucopyranoses present in the polysaccharide are substituted, through an ether linkage, with a compound of the formula (CH₂)_(n)—OH, where n can be an integer from 1 to 4.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method for immobilizing a mammal comprises the step of administering a composition to the mammal, wherein the composition comprises a botulinum toxin, and a hydroxyethyl starch, thereby immobilizing the mammal.

In practicing the foregoing methods, the mammal may be a non-human animal.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method for treating a domesticated animal comprises the step of administering botulinum toxin to the animal. The botulinum toxin may be administered in a pharmaceutical composition. Preferably, the botulinum toxin is administered to the animal in a composition that has a low immunogenicity thereby reducing, and preferably preventing, the development of immunity by the animal to the botulinum toxin. The botulinum toxin may be any one of the seven serotypes of botulinum toxin, or a recombinantly synthesized botulinum toxin. The botulinum toxin may be administered as an acute treatment, or it may be administered chronically.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method for treating a domesticated animal comprises the step of administering at least one botulinum toxin serotype and a polysaccharide that stabilizes the botulinum toxin, to the domesticated animal. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide is a hydroxyethyl starch.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the administration of the neurotoxin composition may reduce pain experienced by the animal. In additional embodiments, the animal receiving the neurotoxin may be injured, and the foregoing method promotes the animal's recovery from the injury. One example of an injury that benefits from the invention is a leg injury, such as a broken bone. In practicing the foregoing methods, the compositions disclosed herein may be administered to the injured body part.

The foregoing methods may also be useful in helping a mammal recover from surgery. One example of a surgical procedure is hip dysplasia surgery. Another example is surgery for a broken bone.

The foregoing methods may be practiced utilizing a composition that comprises a botulinum toxin type A. In other embodiments of the invention, the foregoing methods may be practiced with a composition that comprises botulinum toxin type B. In further embodiments of the invention, the methods may be practiced with a composition that comprises a plurality of botulinum toxin serotypes, such as botulinum toxin serotypes selected from the group consisting of botulinum toxin serotypes A, B, C₁, D, E, F and G. In certain embodiments of the invention, purified botulinum toxins may be used. In other embodiments, modified botulinum toxins may be used. The compositions used in the foregoing methods may also include one or more amino acids in addition-to the botulinum toxin and the polysaccharide.

In yet additional embodiments of the invention, the compositions used in the foregoing methods may be administered intramuscularly to the patient. In other embodiments, the compositions may be administered subcutaneously and/or intrathecally.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is based upon the discovery that a stable botulinum toxin with enhanced potency and enhanced antimicrobial activity as well as being free of animal derived proteins, such as a blood pooled or blood fraction derived human serum albumin or gelatin, can be made with a recombinant albumin.

The present invention also encompasses a stable Clostridial toxin containing pharmaceutical composition formulated free of any animal derived protein or donor pool albumin by incorporating a polysaccharide, an amino acid and/or a recombinant albumin into the pharmaceutical composition. In particular, the present invention encompasses a stable botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition suitable for administration to a patient for therapeutic effects made by replacing the donor pool albumin present in known botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical compositions with a high molecular weight polysaccharide derived from starch and/or with certain reactive amino acids.

Recombinant Albumin Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions and Zinc Containing Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions

An embodiment of my invention is a botulinum toxin active ingredient pharmaceutical composition wherein, instead of human serum albumin, the primary protein stabilizer is a recombinantly made albumin. I have surprising found that a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising a recombinant albumin has a greater potency than does a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising the same amount (on a weight for weight basis) of a human serum albumin.

A further embodiment of my invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a botulinum toxin as the active ingredient, an albumin (either a serum albumin or a recombinantly made albumin) primary protein stabilizer and a metal cation, such as zinc, as a secondary stabilizer.

Human serum albumin (plasma derived) is available commercially from various sources, including, for example, from Bayer Corporation, pharmaceutical division, Elkhart, Ill., under the trade name Plasbumin®. Plasbumin® is known to contain albumin obtained from pooled human venous plasma as well as sodium caprylate (a fatty acid, also known as octanoate) and acetyltryptophan (“NAT”). See e.g. the Bayer Plasbumin®-20 product insert (directions for use) supplied with the product and as published at http://actsysmedical.com/PDF/plasbumin20.pdf. The caprylate and acetyltryptophan in commercially available human serum albumin are apparently added by FDA requirement to stabilize the albumin during pasteurization at 60 degrees C. for 10 hours prior to commercial sale. See e.g. Peters, T., Jr., All About Albumin Biochemistry, Genetics and Medical Applications, Academic Press (1996), pages 295 and 298. Recombinant human albumin is available from various sources, including for example, from Bipha Corporation of Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Welfide Corporation of Osaka, Japan, and from Delta Biotechnology, Nottingham, U.K., as a yeast fermentation product, under the trade name Recombumin®.

It is known to express recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) in the yeast species Pichia pastoris. See e.g. Kobayashi K., et al., The development of recombinant human serum albumin, Ther Apher November 1998; 2(4):257-62, and; Ohtani W., et al., Physicochemical and immunochemical properties of recombinant human serum albumin from Pichia pastoris, Anal Biochem Feburary 1, 1998; 256(1):56-62. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,221 and European patents 330 451 and 361 991. A clear advantage of a rHSA is that it is free of blood derived pathogens.

As set forth herein, I have discovered that a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical formulation can be made with a recombinant albumin (“rA”) as a primary protein stabilizer. The rA can be a recbmbinantly made human serum albumin (“rHSA”). As set forth above, it is known that a rHSA can be expressed by genetically altered yeast host cells. Unexpectedly, I discovered that a pharmaceutical composition comprising a botulinum toxin (as the active ingredient) and a recombinant albumin (as the primary protein stabilizer) has a greater potency than does a pharmaceutical composition comprising a botulinum toxin (as the active ingredient) and a human serum albumin (as the primary protein stabilizer). It was surprising to discover that a rA, such as a rHSA, can be used to stabilize a botulinum toxin, particularly in light of the known kinetic rate effect of HSA upon botulinum toxin. While it is generally believed that the amino acid sequences of HSA and rHSA are identical, there are a number of distinctions between HSA and rHSA which, without wishing to be bound by theory, may be responsible for the observed surprising and unexpected greater potency of a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition formulated with an rHSA, as compared to a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition formulated with a HSA.

For example:

-   -   (1) While eukaryotic, yeast lack many intracellular processes         found in mammals. Thus HSA is made in non-glycosylated form and         (unlike rHSA) undergoes extracellular, non-enzymatic addition of         glucose. Hence, the carbohydrate moieties (substituents) HSA and         rHSA differ. The presence of, and differing, substituents can         cause cbnformational, and hence activity differences.     -   (2) As a blood derived product, HSA contains significant amounts         of fatty acid impurities, such as palmitic acid and stearic         acid, which fatty acids are present not at all, or in much lower         amounts, with rHSA. The fatty acids which accompany the HSA from         blood as an impurity can mask albumin binding sites, and this         binding site masking is not present with rHSA, since little or         no fatty acid impurity is present with a r-HSA.     -   (3) HSA is prepared by centrifugation (to accomplish blood         fractionation) or other separation processes, while no such         processing/separation steps are required for rHSA. Hence, the 3D         albumin molecular confirmation can differ between HSA and rHSA.     -   (4) the molecular weight distribution of HSA differs         significantly from the molecular weight distribution of rHSA, as         determined by an experiment I carried out to determine the         molecular weight distributions of HSA v rHSA. Thus, FIG. 1 shows         that commercially available HSA “A” (the upper graph A in         FIG. 1) has a significant amount of aggregate present (labeled         as “a” in FIG. 1. Aggregate is an aggregation of trimer and         higher molecular weight albumin) whereas a commercially         available rHSA “B” (the lower graph B in FIG. 1) has no         detectable aggregate albumin. In FIG. 1 “b” represents detected         dimer, “c” represents detected monomer and “d” represents         detected NAT. As shown by FIG. 1 no albumin aggregate (“a”) (nor         any NAT) was present in the rHSA examined.

Additionally, I determined by experiment (see FIG. 2) that only about 90% of the human serum albumin present in a final botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition (i.e Formulation A) was present as albumin monomers (see graph C in FIG. 2), at the time of preparation of the pharmaceutical composition. But I also determined by experiment that about 95% (i.e. more than 90%) of the recombinant serum albumin present in a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition was present as albumin monomers, at the time of preparation of this pharmaceutical composition (see graph D in FIG. 2). These results therefore show that not only in commercial rHSA preparations (i.e. in the raw material of this primary stabilizer), but also in the final rHSA botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition there is significantly less albumin aggregate present, as compared to both the corresponding a HSA raw material and the final HSA botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.

-   -   (5) The isoelectric point (pl) for HSA is 5.2, but is 5.1 for         rHSA.     -   (6) HSA can contain a number of impurities: low molecular weight         impurities can include citrate (as a residue of the sodium         citrate anticoagulant used in plasma collection), fatty acids         and lipids (as an associated blood fraction component) and         various metals present due to the filters (i.e diatomaceous         earth) and blood fraction processing and separation technologies         used. High molecular substances can be present with the HSA         because commercial HSA preparations can legally contain as much         as 4% of non-albumin globulins, such as orosomucoid. Thus, FDA         requirements are that commercially available HSA need be only at         least 96% HSA, so up to 4% of non-HSA impurities can be present         with HSA. Additionally, polymeric forms of albumin (dimers,         trimers) are known to be present in commercially available lots         of HSA. See e.g. Peters, T. Jr., Chapter 7, Practical Aspects:         Albumin in the Laboratory, of All About Albumin, Biochemistry,         genetics, and medical applications, pages 298-305, Academic         Press (1996).

These six differences can be expected to result in significant differences in, inter alia, ligand binding, conformational stability and molecular charge between HSA and rHSA, thereby resulting in significant differences between an HSA botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition as compared to a rHSA botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition, the later being as aspect of my invention. Thus, even though the amino acid sequences of HSA and rHSA may be identical I discovered that a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition formulated with an rHSA can have an enhanced potency as compared to a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition formulated with HSA.

Thus, as set forth an aspect of my invention encompasses replacement of the blood derived serum albumin in a pharmaceutical composition with a recombinant albumin (rA), such as a recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA). As explained below, preferably, the recombinant serum albumin can be present in the botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical formulation with acetyltryptophanate (“NAT”), as well as with P80 and caprylate.

Commercially available human serum albumin is heated at 60° C. for ten hours as a requirement to eliminate potentially infectious agents derived from the human blood pool. In order to prevent serious denaturation during this process two stabilizers are added: sodium acetyltryptophanate (“NAT”) and sodium caprylate. With a rHSA (or other recombinant albumin) there is no need to add these ingredients because no disease risk exists and hence no heating step is required.

I have discovered that addition of sodium acetyltryptophanate (NAT) to rHSA enhances the thermal stability beyond that obtained by use of sodium caprylate alone, even when the concentration of sodium caprylate is almost doubled (from 20 mM for a HSA to 35.2 mM for a rHSA). Without wishing to be bound by theory, I believe that may be due to the caprylate binding to only one site on the albumin molecule whereas sodium acetyltryptophanate binds to two sites on the albumin molecule. Binding this second site appears to enhance the resistance the albumin molecule to thermal perturbation. I can further postulate that the addition of sodium acetyltryptophanate may in some way enhance the stability of botulinum toxin formulations, possibly by maintaining a thermodynamically favorable conformation in the toxin molecule, binding the toxin, or by preventing denaturation of the human serum albumin itself. Therefore a preferred embodiment of my invention is a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a botulinum toxin (as the active ingredient), a rA (such as a rHSA) as a primary protein stabilizer and a secondary stabilizer such as: N-Acetyl-tryptophan (sodium tryptophanate or NAT); sodium caprylate; another fatty acids; and divalent cations such as zinc (for example as zinc chloride). A more preferred botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention comprises a botulinum toxin, a rHSA and NAT. A very preferred botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention comprises a botulinum toxin, a rHSA, NAT, a caprylate, zinc and P80 (i.e. Formulation E) because of its high potency. A most preferred formulation is Formulation B because this formulation has a higher potency than the HSA formulation (i.e. Formulation A) (see FIG. 3), and is more similar in composition to the already. FDA approved Formulation A (BOTOX) than is the even more potent Formulation E.

An embodiment of my invention can consist essentially of a botulinum toxin, a rHSA and NAT, so that other excipients which do not materially effect the basic characteristics of the composition, such as sodium caprylate, Zinc and. P80, can also be present as further stabilizers of the botulinum toxin active ingredient, and certain trace process buffers and sodium chloride can also be present. A most preferred embodiment of my invention can consist of a botulinum toxin, a recombinant albumin (human or other species) and a tryptophanate, such as NAT, because I have discovered that such a composition provides a stabilized botulinum toxin. A most preferred botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition within the 'scope of my invention can consist of a botulinum toxin, a rHSA, NAT, a caprylate and P80.

Importantly, as set forth below, I have made the surprising and unexpected discovery that a stable pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a botulinum toxin, an albumin, and zinc (with or without NAT) exhibits significant and dramatic anti-microbial activity against a wide variety of microbial species. This is an unexpected discovery because most preservatives have been shown to be incompatible with protein drugs, including with botulinum toxin.

A most preferred pharmaceutical composition within the scope of my invention comprises, consists essentially of or consists of a botulinum toxin (i.e. 100 units, about 4.8-5 ng), sodium chloride (about 900 μg), a rHSA (about 500 μg), sodium caprylate (about 13 μg), NAT (about 10 μg), Zinc chloride (about 4 μg) and P80 (about 0.04 μg)

As stated, sodium caprylate and/or sodium acetyltryptophanate ((NAT) can be added to commercially available HSA to protect the HSA from denaturation while the HSA (required by FDA rules) is heated to 60 degrees C. for 10-11 hours before the HSA can be sold.

My invention also encompasses addition of a zinc ion source to a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical formulation. It has been determined that zinc does not provide cryoprotection to a botulinum toxin during the freeze drying step in the preparation of a freeze dried botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition. Prior to my invention it was not known that zinc can have a stabilizing function on a botulinum toxin. It can be postulated that metals, such as divalent metal cations, may be able to enhance the stability of a freeze-dried formulation due to various cryo-properties including the lattice structures of formed ices. Extraneous metals such as copper and iron species lend themselves to radical oxidations and are generally to be avoided. It is known that botulinum toxin type A toxin is dependent upon bound zinc for its intracellular enzymatic activity. Many of the art known excipients or reaction products of these excipients, including albumin, can chelate metals. This could lead to formation of unstable ices and/or inactivated toxin. By supplying ample zinc in the formulation the presence of desirable divalent cations is assured, the likelihood of zinc loss by the toxin is reduced, and stability enhanced. This can be accomplished by the addition of ZnSO₄ or ZnCl₂ to a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.

Polysaccharide Containing Pharmaceutical Composition

In another embodiment of my invention, I have surprisingly found that a suitable replacement for albumin can be a compound which is neither another protein, nor a low molecular weight, non-protein compound. Thus, I have discovered that particular high molecular weight polysaccharides can function as neurotoxin stabilizers in a pharmaceutical composition. As set forth below, an amino acid can also, or in the alternative, be added to the pharmaceutical composition to increase the stability and useful storage life of the pharmaceutical composition.

The polysaccharide used in the present invention can impart stability to a neurotoxin active ingredient, such as a botulinum toxin, present in the pharmaceutical composition by: (1) reducing adhesion (commonly referred to as “stickiness”) of the botulinum toxin to surfaces, such as the surfaces of laboratory glassware, vessels, the vial in which the pharmaceutical composition is reconstituted and the inside surface of the syringe used to inject the pharmaceutical composition. Adhesion of the botulinum toxin to surfaces can lead to loss of botulinum toxin and to denaturation of retained botulinum toxin, both of which reduce the toxicity of the botulinum toxin present in the pharmaceutical composition. (2) reducing the denaturation of the botulinum toxin and/or dissociation of the botulinum toxin from other non-toxin proteins present in the botulinum toxin complex, which denaturation and/or dissociation activities can occur because of the low dilution of the botulinum toxin present in the pharmaceutical composition (i.e. prior to lyophilization or vacuum drying) and in the reconstituted pharmaceutical composition. (3) reducing loss of botulinum toxin (i.e. due to denaturation or dissociation from non-toxin proteins in the complex) during the considerable pH and concentration changes which take place during preparation, processing and reconstitution of the pharmaceutical composition.

The three types of botulinum toxin stabilizations provided by the polysaccharide conserve and preserve the botulinum toxin with it native toxicity prior to injection of the pharmaceutical composition.

In addition, I have discovered that the protein stabilizers disclosed herein reduce the immunogenicity of the pharmaceutical compositions, and thereby are useful in treating conditions that might benefit from neurotoxin treatments in human and non-human subjects. Surprisingly, I have discovered a composition that permits administration of a neurotoxin, such as botulinum toxin, to both human and non-human subjects without resulting in a significant immune response. As discussed above, the presence of HSA in the currently available products of botulinum toxin may preclude the ability for veterinarians to administer botulinum toxin as a treatment for animals.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may comprise a plurality of botulinum toxin serotypes. In other words, the composition may include two or more different botulinum toxin serotypes. For example, a composition may include botulinum toxin serotypes A and B. In another embodiment, a composition may include botulinum toxin serotypes A and E. Using a combination of botulinum toxin serotypes will permit caregivers to customize the composition to achieve a desired effect based on the condition being treated. In an additional embodiment of the invention, the composition may comprise a modified botulinum toxin. The modified botulinum toxin will preferably inhibit the release of neurotransmitter from a neuron, but may have a greater or lower potency than the native botulinum toxin, or may have a greater or lower biological effect than the native botulinum toxin. Because the compositions of the invention may be used for relatively long-term treatment of animals, the compositions may be provided in a relatively pure form. In one embodiment, the compositions are of a pharmaceutical grade. In certain embodiments, the clostridial neurotoxin has a greater than 95% purity. In additional embodiments, the clostridial neurotoxin has a purity greater than 99%.

A preferred polysaccharide for use in the present composition comprises a plurality of glucose monomers (mol wt 180) with one or more substituents on a majority of the glucose monomers, so that the preferred polysaccharide has a molecular weight range of between about 20 kD and about 800 kD. Surprisingly, such-a polysaccharide can stabilize a neurotoxin component present in a pharmaceutical composition. The present invention excludes from its scope disaccharide oligosaccharides with a weight average molecular weight of less than about 20 kD. The present invention also excludes from its scope cyclic polymers such as the cyclodextrins. The latter two classes of compounds are excluded from the scope of the present invention because the desired stabilization characteristics of the preferred polysaccharide while requiring a relatively high molecular compound (i.e. molecular weight in excess of 20 kD) do not require and indeed can make no use of the small lipophilic cavity characteristic of the cyclodextrins, because the cyclodextrin lipophilic cavity is much smaller in size than the size of the neurotoxins stabilized by the preferred polysaccharides of the present invention. Additionally, the cyclodextrins are low molecular weight compounds comprising only about 6 to 8 glucose monomers.

The present invention also encompasses a method for stabilizing pharmaceutical compositions which contain a clostridial toxin with a polysaccharide. The stabilizing effect is achieved by bringing a clostridial toxin in contact with the polysaccharide. Examples of suitable polysaccharides within the scope of my invention include certain starch and starch derivatives. As noted, the polysaccharide exhibits a stabilizing effect on the clostridial toxin. Furthermore, the effect of the polysaccharide to stabilize a clostridial toxin can be enhanced by the addition of an amino acid.

Unexpectedly, I have discovered that 2-hydroxyethyl starch demonstrates a unique ability to stabilize the botulinum toxin present in a botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical composition, thereby providing a pharmaceutical composition which is devoid of the potential for harboring a transmissible disease derived from human blood or blood fraction donor pools or animal derived proteins like gelatin.

Thus, I have discovered that the particular high molecular weight polysaccharide, hydroxyethyl starch, can stabilize the toxin during formulation, drying, storage and reconstitution. Preferably, to further stabilize the protein active ingredient, an amino acid is also included in the polysaccharide containing formulation.

The polysaccharide in the pharmaceutical composition is preferably admixed with the clostridial neurotoxin in an amount of about 1 μg of polysaccharide per unit of botulinum toxin to about 10 μg of polysaccharide per unit of botulinum toxin. More preferably the polysaccharide in the pharmaceutical composition is admixed with the clostridial neurotoxin in an amount of about 4 μg of polysaccharide per unit of botulinum toxin to about 8 μg of polysaccharide per unit of botulinum toxin. In a most preferred embodiment, where the polysaccharide is a hydroxyethyl starch, the hydroxyethyl starch in the pharmaceutical composition is preferably admixed with a botulinum toxin type A complex in an amount of about 5 μg of hydroxyethyl starch per unit of botulinum toxin to about 7 μg of hydroxyethyl starch per unit of botulinum toxin. Most preferably, the hydroxyethyl starch in the pharmaceutical composition is admixed with a botulinum toxin type A complex in an amount of about 6 μg of hydroxyethyl starch per unit of botulinum toxin. Since BOTOX® contains about 100 units of botulinum toxin type A complex per vial and the average molecular weight of hydroxyethyl starch is generally regarded as being between about 20 kD and about 2,500 kD, the most preferred concentration of hydroxyethyl starch is between about 1×10⁻⁹ moles per unit of botulinum toxin (M/U) to about 2×10⁻¹² moles per unit of botulinum toxin. In another preferred embodiment, for a 100 U botulinum toxin type A complex pharmaceutical composition, about 600 μg of the hydroxyethyl starch and about 1 mg of an amino acid, such as lysine, glycine, histidine or arginine is included in the formulation. Thus, my invention encompasses use of both a polysaccharide and an amino acid, or a polyamino acid to stabilize the neurotoxin active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition.

Additionally, my invention also encompasses use of a suitable amino acid in a sufficient amount to stabilize the protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition, either in the presence of or to the exclusion of any polysaccharide being present in the formulation. Thus, I have surprisingly discovered that the inclusion of certain amino acids into a neurotoxin containing, pharmaceutical composition formulation can extend the useful shelf life of such a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, my invention encompasses a neurotoxin containing pharmaceutical composition which includes an amino acid and the use of such a pharmaceutical composition. Without wishing to be bound by theory, I can postulate that since a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin, is susceptible to oxidation, due to the presence of disulfide linkages in the toxin complex, the inclusion of an oxidizable amino acid may act to reduce the probability that oxidizers, such as peroxides and free radicals, will react with the neurotoxin. Thus, the likelihood that the oxidizable neurotoxin disulfide linkage will be oxidized by an oxidizer, such as peroxides and free radicals, can be reduced upon inclusion of an amino acid which can act as an oxidative sink, that is as a scavenger for oxidizing compounds. A suitable amino acid is an amino acid which is subject to oxidation. Examples of preferred amino acids are methionine, cysteine, tryptophan and tyrosine. A particularly preferred amino acid is methionine.

A preferred embodiment of my invention can also include the use of two or more amino acids either alone or in combination with a polysaccharide to stabilize the protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, for a 100 U botulinum toxin type A containing pharmaceutical composition, about 0.5 mg of lysine and about 0.5 mg of glycine can be used, either with or without between about 500 μg and about 700 μg of hetastarch.

Thus, as set forth above, my invention encompasses a protein containing, pharmaceutical composition which includes a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide acts to stabilize the protein active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition. Additionally, my invention also includes a protein containing, pharmaceutical composition which includes a polysaccharide and an amino acid. Surprisingly, I have discovered that the inclusion of certain amino acids into a neurotoxin containing, pharmaceutical composition formulation which includes a carbohydrate can extend the useful shelf life of such a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, my invention encompasses a neurotoxin containing pharmaceutical composition which includes both a polysaccharide and an amino acid and the use of such a pharmaceutical composition. Furthermore, my invention also encompasses use of an amino acid without any polysaccharide being present in the protein active ingredient pharmaceutical composition.

It is known that protein containing pharmaceutical compositions which also contain sugars, polysaccharides and/or carbohydrates (referred to hereafter as ‘reactive compounds”) are inherently unstable due to the fact that a protein and one of the three indicated reactive compounds can undergo the well-described Maillard reaction. Extensive, largely fruitless, research has been carried out to try and reduce the incidence or prevalence of this (for example) protein-polysaccharide Maillard reaction, by reduction of moisture or by the use of non-reducing sugars in the formulation. My discovery is based upon the observation that inclusion of a high concentration of a highly reactive amino acid encourages the Maillard reaction to take place between the stabilizing polysaccharide and the added amino acid. By providing an abundant amine source for the carbohydrate to react with, the probability of the protein drug (i.e. botulinum toxin active ingredient) becoming involved in the Maillard is reduced, thereby reducing this degradation pathway of the protein active ingredient and in this manner thereby stabilizing the protein active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition.

Preferably, any compound containing a primary or secondary amine can be used for this purpose. Most preferred are amino acids, such as lysine, glycine, arginine. Polyamino acids, such as polylysine are also'suitable. Cationic amino acids such as lysine may undergo ionic attraction, binding acidic proteins (e.g., botulinum toxins) and shield the active protein from contact with sugars. Polylysine, in addition to being larger and therefore more likely to act as a shield, provides the additional advantage of being antibacterial.

Another aspect of my invention is to pre-react the sugar and amino acid components to exhaust Maillard reaction potential before adding the active protein component (botulinum toxin) to the sugar and amino acid formulation ingredients, thereby substantially limiting the active protein's exposure to Maillard reactions.

Thus, my invention encompasses a pharmaceutical composition containing and the use of an amino acids and polyamino acids as Maillard reaction inhibitors in protein (i.e. botulinum toxin) drug formulations which contain starches, sugars and/or polysaccharides.

The invention embodies formulations of active proteins (e.g., botulinum toxin) in combination with a stabilizing starch, sugar, or polysaccharide or combination of these, and an amino acid such as lysine.

Significantly, I have discovered that hydroxypthyl starch does not undergo or undergoes a much attenuated rate or level of Maillard reactions with a protein, such as a botulinum toxin, when hydroxyethyl starch is compared to other polysaccharides or carbohydrates. Additionally, I have discovered that inclusion of an amino acid enhances the preservation effect of hydroxyethyl starch, possibly by acting as a competitive inhibitor, that is by competing with the toxin for Maillard reaction reactive sugars. For this purpose, amino acids such as lysine, glycine, arginine and histidine are preferred amino acids. Polyamino acids, such as polylysine, which exhibit the desired competitive inhibition behavior can also be used. Notably, the specified amino and poly amino acids can also exhibit antimicrobial properties, providing therefore the added benefit of reducing bacterial contamination in the pharmaceutical composition.

Reducing sugars, such as glucose and glucose polymers, undergo Maillard reaction with proteins. Even sugar alcohols like mannitol can react, albeit sometimes through contaminants or degradation products. Therefore a polysaccharide can stabilize the toxin for a period-of time only to chemically react later, thereby causing reduced storage stability. It-is obvious that the choice of polysaccharide is critical. I have discovered that the rate of hydroxyethyl starch participation in the Maillard reaction is very low. Additionally, I have found that hydroxyethyl cellulose, although structurally very similar to hydroxyethyl starch, is unsuitable to use as a stabilizer, since I have found that hydroxyethyl cellulose can rapidly react in a model system with lysine. This not only means that hydroxyethyl starch has an obvious advantage over other sugar (i.e. polysaccharide) stabilizers, but that even excipients similar to hydroxyethyl starch, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, can be unsuitable to use as stabilizers of a protein active ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation.

As noted, hydroxyethyl starch, can participate to at least some extent, in Maillard reactions. Thus, and as set forth above, a polysaccharide alone may not be sufficient to provide optimal stabilization of the toxin. Thus, I discovered the advantages of inclusion of an amino acid to act as a competitive inhibitor. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the hypothesis is that by providing another amine source, in high concentrations compared to the toxin, the probability of the Maillard reaction occurring with the toxin is reduced, thereby stabilizing the toxin. Any amino acid can be used however lysine being highly reactive and is a preferred amino acid.

Although recombinant serum albumin is preferred over animal-derived serum albumin, it is a further aspect of my invention to provide a composition that may comprise a serum albumin obtained from the species of animal intended to be treated. For example, if a horse were to receive an injection of a clostridial neurotoxin, such as botulinum toxin, it may be desirable to utilize a composition comprising the neurotoxin and an equine serum albumin as a stabilizer. Similarly, if a cow were to receive an injection of a clostridial neurotoxin, the composition containing the neurotoxin may include bovine serum albumin as a stabilizer. This reasoning will similarly apply to other animal species, including primate serum albumin for non-human primates, porcine serum albumin for pigs, canine serum albumin for dogs, feline serum albumin for cats, and murine serum albumin for rodents. Other species-specific serum albumins are provided in the compositions of the invention.

One composition of the invention may comprise botulinum toxin type A, and serum albumin from horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs or rodents.

Another composition of the invention may comprise botulinum toxin type B, C₁, D, E, F, or G; and serum albumin from non-human primates, cows, horses, pigs, dogs, cats or rodents.

As persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate, although the serum derived albumins may have some of the shortcoming discussed herein, they may still find some use in veterinary care.

My invention also encompasses addition of a preservative, either in the diluent or formulation itself, to allow extended storage. A preferred preservative is preserved saline containing benzyl alcohol.

A liquid formulation can be advantageous. A single-step presentation (e.g., pre-filled syringe) or a product configuration that the user perceives as a single-step presentation (e.g., dual-chambered syringe) would provide convenience by eliminating the reconstitution step. Freeze-drying is a complicated, expensive and difficult process. Liquid formulations are often easier and cheaper to produce. On the other hand liquid formulations are dynamic systems and therefore more susceptible to excipient interaction, fast reactions, bacterial growth, and oxidation than freeze-dried formulations. A compatible preservative might be needed. Anti-oxidants such as methionine might also be useful as scavengers especially if surfactants are used to reduce adsorption as many of these compounds contain or produce peroxides. Any of the stabilizing excipients which can be used in a freeze-dried formulation (e.g., hydroxyethyl starch or an amino acid such, lysine) might be adapted to use in a liquid formulation to assist in reducing adsorption and stabilize the toxin. Suspensions similar to those developed for insulin are also good candidates. Additionally, stabilizing botulinum toxin in a liquid vehicle might require a low pH vehicle as the toxin is reported to be labile above pH 7. This acidity could produce burning and stinging upon injection. A binary syringe could be employed. Inclusion of a co-dispensed buffer, sufficient to raise the pH to physiologic levels, would alleviate injection discomfort of a low pH while maintaining the toxin at a low pH during storage. Another dual-chambered syringe option would include diluent and lyophilized material segregated in separate chamber, only mixing upon use. This option provides the advantages of a liquid formulation without the additional resources and time.

Thus, the botulinum toxin can be prepared at low pH to be co-dispensed with a buffer which raises the pH to at or near physiological pH at the time of administration. The two chamber or binary syringe can have in the first chamber (next to the plunger) a liquid formulation of a botulinum toxin with a pH between 3 to 6 (i.e. at pH 4.0). The second chamber (next to the needle tip) can contain a suitable buffer, such as phosphate buffered saline at a higher pH (i.e. pH 7.0). Alternately, the first chamber can contain a saline diluent and the second chamber can contain a freeze dried or lyophilized neurotoxin formulation. The two chambers can be joined in such a way and the buffering components selected in such a way that the solutions mix at or near the needle, thereby delivering the final solution at a physiological pH. Suitable two chamber syringes to use as pre-filled syringes for the purposes set forth herein can be obtained from Vetter Pharma-Fertigung of Yardley, Pa.

There are distinct advantages to formulating botulinum toxin at a low pH. The toxin has a low isoelectric point (pl) and formulating proteins near their pi is a known way to stabilize a protein. Additionally, the toxin is used at a very low concentration making surface adsorption a problem. Use of a low pH solution can suppress ionization of toxin sites likely to interact with surfaces. The syringe and plunger materials are materials which reduce surface adsorption by the toxin. Suitable such materials are polypropylene.

As discussed herein, the neurotoxin may be prepared and purified using techniques well-known in the art. The purified toxin may subsequently be diluted in a stabilizer such as a polysaccharide (e.g., hetastarch), or a recombinant serum albumin, or a serum albumin of the species of animal receiving the neurotoxin. It is preferred that the stabilizer prevents or reduces denaturation of the toxin, and produces no, or minimal, immunogenic responses in the animal that will receive the toxin. Aliquots of the diluted toxin are then lyophilized using conventional procedures.

The lyophilized neurotoxin may be reconstituted before administering the neurotoxin to a subject by adding water, saline, or any buffer solution to the lyophilized neurotoxin. In certain embodiments, sodium free buffers may be preferred to help reduce denaturation of the neurotoxin.

The pharmaceutical compositions-of the invention can be administered using conventional modes of administration. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the compositions are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously to the subject. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may be administered intrathecally. In addition, the compositions of the invention may be administered with one or more analgesic or anesthetic agents.

The most effective mode of administration and dosage regimen for the compositions of this invention depends upon the type, severity, and course of the condition being treated, the animal's health and response to treatment, and the judgment of the treating doctor. Accordingly, the methods and dosages of the compositions should be tailored to the individual subject.

By way of example, and not by way of limitation, it may be preferred to administer the composition of the invention intramuscularly to reduce muscle spasms associated with a specific condition. Spasms in veterinary animals can be caused by congenital defects (Hickford et al., J Small Anim Pract 1998 39(6):281-5), hip dysplasia (Bowen, Am J Vet Res 1974 35(5):661-8), inflammation (Anderson and Harvey, J Vet Dent 1993 10(1):6-8) multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, traumas, or neurologic degenerative diseases. Administering the compositions disclosed herein to animals may be particularly effective in treating specific conditions such as “teary eyes” or “tail flick” in animals. Injecting botulinum toxin periodically (e.g., every three to six months) in the same areas may allow for long term, indefinite relief of spastic symptoms in these animals without the unwanted development of resistance to the toxin.

Similarly, the compositions of the invention may be administered intramuscularly to immobilize an injured animal. Injuries that result in fractures and tendon rupture require-the limb associated with the site of injury to be completely immobilized so as to prevent reinjury. Although the site is placed in a cast, often the animals will reinjure themselves with ongoing activity. The only way to completely immobilize the animal is general anesthesia, which cannot be employed for long term uses. In addition, immobilization of the injured body part with a cast, for example, may cause bone malformation and with improper functional recovery (Hawthorne et al., J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1999 35(2):135-146).

Intramuscular injection of the compositions of the invention can result in selective and reversible immobilization of the animal, or body parts thereof. For example, the compositions of the invention may be administered locally to one or more muscle groups of an injured body part. In other cases, it may be necessary to perform whole body immobilization of the musculature involved in whole body movements (limb muscles and abdominal muscles) without impinging the respiratory system or muscles involved in food intake. In such a scenario, the animal will not be able to willfully move any parts of the body involved in ambulatory movements, so physical restraints may not be necessary. Other functions required to maintain the overall health of the animal would preferably be still intact, so therefore a normal functioning animal is kept at a “temporary paralytic” state. Furthermore, depending on the type of neurotoxin in the composition administered to the animal, the rate of recovery may be controlled. For example, a composition containing botulinum toxin type E may be administered if the caregiver decides that a relatively shorter time of paralysis is needed to promote recovery. In addition, because the effects of the neurotoxin wear off gradually, the activity of the immobilized body parts can be regained at a rate which is most desirable to achieve proper healing and recovery.

The compositions of the invention may also be injected into smooth muscles (as compared to striated muscles) to treat colonic, bladder, esophageal, or gastrointestinal dysfunction, including, but not limited to achalasia, anal fissure, hyperactive sphincter of oddi. The administration of the compositions may reduce or prevent unfavorable systemic consequences from treatment with drugs that do not specifically act on the organ of interest.

Compositions containing botulinum toxin may be administered intramuscularly, intrathecally, or subcutaneously to relieve pain experienced by the animal. These treatments are also restricted to the site of injection and have minimal side effects compared to current systemic approaches of treating these pain syndromes with pain relieving drugs.

Pain may be difficult to determine in an animal; however, animals may exhibit one or more behaviors indicative of the animal experiencing pain. For example, the animal may cease its normal activities, or it may favor a potentially injured limb. The animal may stop eating, may whine, may have an increased respiration rate, or heart rate, may have an abnormal temperature, or may appear restless. In addition, animals experience intestinal discomfort, such as colic, and may experience one or more of the following symptoms in addition to the symptoms identified above, paw the ground, may sweat, may be restless, may appear bloated, and experience muscle tremors.

Relief from pain by practicing the methods of the invention may be determined by observing the reduction in the number of symptoms that the animal is exhibiting. One or more of the symptoms may be reduced.

Injection of botulinum toxin to multiple muscles, such as leg muscles, may be effective to cause a potent, prolonged, yet reversible immobilization of wild, non-domesticated animals. This procedure can be used for medical evaluation of the patient, various local or minor medical or dental procedures, or for transport. In practicing these methods, it may be desirable to also inject either before, or at the same time, a tranquilizer to provide immediate effects of immobilization.

As indicated above, dosages of the neurotoxin, such as botulinum toxin, in the compositions may vary. In one embodiment, the compositions contain a therapeutically effective amount of neurotoxin, for example, between about 1 U and about 500 U of botulinum toxin type A. Preferably the amounts are between about 10 U and about 300 U. More preferably the amount is between about 20 U and 250 U, such about 50 U to 200 U, or 70 U. Alternatively, botulinum toxin, such as botulinum toxin type A, can be administered in amounts between about 10⁻³ U/kg and about 60 U/kg to alleviate pain experienced by a mammal. Preferably, the botulinum toxin used is administered in an amount of between about 10⁻² U/kg and about 50 U/kg. More preferably, the botulinum toxin is administered in an amount of between about 10⁻¹ U/kg and about 40 U/kg. Most preferably, the botulinum toxin is administered in an amount of between about 1 U/kg and about 30 U/kg. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present disclosed methods, the botulinum toxin is administered in an amount of between about 1 U/kg and about 20 U/kg.

Compositions containing other serotypes of botulinum toxin may contain different dosages of the botulinum toxin. For example, botulinum toxin type B may be provided in a composition at a greater dose than a composition containing botulinum toxin type A. In one embodiment of the invention, botulinum toxin type B may be administered in an amount between about 1 U/kg and 150 U/kg. Botulinum toxin type B may also be administered in amounts of up to 20,000 U (mouse units, as described above). In another embodiment of the invention, botulinum toxin types E or F may be administered at concentrations between about 0.1 U/kg and 150 U/kg. In addition, in compositions containing more than one type of botulinum toxin, each type of botulinum toxin can be provided in a relatively smaller dose than the dose typically used for a single botulinum toxin serotype. The combination of botulinum toxin serotypes may then provide a suitable degree and duration of paralysis without an increase in diffusion of the neurotoxins (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,327).

EXAMPLES

The following examples set forth specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1 Human Serum Albumin Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition (Formulation A)

A botulinum toxin type A complex can be obtained from a culture of the Hall strain of Clostridium botulinum grown in a medium containing N-Z amine and yeast extract. The botulinum toxin type A complex is purified from the culture solution by a series of acid precipitations to a crystalline complex consisting of the active high molecular weight toxin protein and an associated hemagglutinin protein. The crystalline complex is then re-dissolved in, a solution containing saline and albumin and sterile filtered (0.2 microns) prior to vacuum-drying. The vacuum dried composition can be reconstituted with sterile, non-preserved saline prior to injection. Each vial of vacuum dried composition can contain about 100 units (U) of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A complex, 0.5 milligrams of human serum albumin and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative (Formulation A).

Example 2 Recombinant Human Serum Albumin Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition (Formulation B)

A botulinum toxin type A complex was obtained as set forth in Example 1 and the same pharmaceutical composition made, except that instead of HSA, an rHSA was used in the formulation.

Example 3 Potency Differences Between Human Serum Albumin Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions and Recombinant Human Serum Albumin Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions

Upon lyophilization and after less than one week of storage at −5 degrees C. (i.e. at T₀) the vacuum dried pharmaceutical compositions of Examples 1 and 2 (i.e. Formulations A and B) were reconstituted with sterile normal saline without a preservative (0.9% sodium chloride injection) and their respective potencies determined by the known mouse LD50 assay. Other samples of the lyophilized botulinum toxin type A complex Formulations A and B (as well as samples of the Formulations C-F described below) were stored at −5 degrees C. for six months and then reconstituted with the sterile normal saline without a preservative (0.9% sodium chloride injection) and their respective potencies were again determined (i.e. at T₆) using the mouse LD50 assay.

Table 1 sets forth the constituents of the six different botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions made. Formulations B, C, E and F in Table 1 contain a rHSA. Formulations A and D in Table 1 contain an HSA. As shown by FIG. 3, it was found that:

-   -   (a) the potency of Formulation A was 85 at T₀ and 72 at T₆.     -   (b) the potency of Formulation B was 96 at T₀ and 95 at T₆. This         experiment therefore showed that Formulation B was 13% more         potent at T₀ and 32% more potent at T₆ than was Formulation A.         Thus, it was found that surprisingly the rHSA formulation (B)         was more potent than was the HSA formulation (A).     -   (c) the potency of a Formulation B to which 10 micrograms of NAT         were added per 100 units of toxin (to thereby make a         Formulation C) was 100 at T₀ and 97 at T₆. This experiment         therefore showed that Formulation C was 18% more potent at T₀         and 35% more potent at T₆ than was Formulation A. Thus, it was         found that surprisingly, the addition of NAT to the rHSA         formulation (B) further increased the potency of Formulation B         as compared to the HSA formulation, Formulation A. This was a         surprising discovery since Formulation A already contained the         same amount of NAT which was used to make Formulation C. Hence,         it was surprisingly discovered that NAT provided an increase to         the potency of the toxin with rHSA which was not provided by NAT         to the HSA toxin formulation.     -   (d) the potency of Formulation A (HSA toxin) to which 4         micrograms of zinc chloride was added (to thereby make a         Formulation D) increased to 107 at T₀ and 94 at T₆. This         experiment therefore showed that surprisingly the addition of         zinc increased the potency of Formulation D as compared to         Formulation A. Formulation D was 26% more potent at T₀ than was         Formulation A and Formulation D was 31% more potent at T₆ than         was Formulation A. Thus, the addition of zinc significantly         increased the potency of the HSA toxin formulation.     -   (e) the potency of Formulation C to which of 4 micrograms of         zinc chloride was added (to thereby make a Formulation E)         increased the potencies to 116 T₀ and to 99 at T₆. This         experiment therefore showed that the addition of zinc increased         the potency of Formulation E as compared to Formulation C (16%         increase at T₀ and 2% increase at T₆). Thus, surprisingly the         addition of zinc by itself increased the potency of the r-HSA         formulation.

Notably, the increase in potency of Formulation E as compared to Formulation A was 36% at T₀ and 38% at T₆. Thus, it was surprisingly discovered that the addition of zinc to the rHSA formulation provided a toxin which was substantially more potent than was the HSA toxin without zinc formulation (A). Hence, Formulation E is a most preferred pharmaceutical composition.

A further Formulation F was made by adding 4 micrograms of zinc chloride to Formulation B. TABLE 1 Botulinum Toxin (Type A Complex) Pharmaceutical Compositions Formu- Toxin NaCl Albumin Octanoate NAT ZnCl₂ P80 lation (units) (ug) (ug) (ug) (ug) (ug) (ug) A 100 900 500 7 10 0 0 HSA B 100 900 500 13 0 0 0.04 r-HSA C 100 900 500 13 10 0 0.04 r-HSA D 100 900 500 7 10 4 0 HSA E 100 900 500 13 10 4 0.04 r-HSA F 100 900 500 13 0 4 0.04 r-HSA

The increased potencies of certain botulinum toxin formulations, as set forth by the experiment above, can be directly linked to an enhanced stability. In other words, a greater relative potency of one formulation with regard to another formulation can mean that one formulation has more botulinum toxin molecules which retain their biological activity (i.e. are stabilized).

Thus, my invention encompasses addition of a zinc ion source to a.botulinum toxin containing pharmaceutical (HSA or rHSA) formulation to thereby obtain a more potent toxin formulation. As shown by Formulations D, E and F (vacuum dried before reconstitution) in FIG. 3, the presence of zinc in the formulations provided an enhanced potency, at T₀, as compared to the non-zinc containing formulations (A, B and C) at T₀.

A further experiment was carried out whereby the potencies of two versions of Formulation E were determined at T₀. It was found that vacuum dried and liquid versions (the later not vacuum or freeze dried)) of Formulation E had statistically identical potencies (116 vs 115) at T₀. This later experiment showed therefore that the zinc was not providing a cryo-protectant effect to the botulinum toxin but that the zinc present was providing a enhanced potency at T₀ to the zinc containing formulations. Hence, it was determined that zinc does not provide cryoprotection to a botulinum toxin during the freeze drying step in the preparation of a freeze dried botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition. Prior to my invention it was not known that zinc can have a stabilizing function on a botulinum toxin. It can be postulated that metals, such as divalent metal cations, may be able to enhance the stability of a freeze-dried formulation due to various cryo-properties including the lattice structures of formed ices. Extraneous metals such as copper and iron species lend themselves to radical oxidations and are generally to be avoided. It is known that botulinum toxin type A toxin is dependent upon bound zinc for it's intracellular enzymatic activity. Many of the art known excipients or reaction products of these excipients, including albumin, can chelate metals. This could lead to formation of unstable ices and/or inactivated toxin. By supplying ample zinc in the formulation the presence of desirable divalent cations is assured, the likelihood of zinc loss by the toxin is reduced, and stability enhanced. This can be accomplished by the addition of ZnSO₄ or ZnCl₂ to a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.

Example 4 Zinc Containing Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions with Enhanced Anti-Microbial Activity

It was determined that the zinc containing formulations D-F showed anti-microbial activity, as compared to the non-zinc containing formulations A-C, against the two microorganisms Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Formulations A to F were assessed by reconstituting samples of each of the six lyophilized formulations with non-preserved saline (0.9% NaCl for injection) (1-mL/100 unit vial) followed by storage at room temperature. Separate 100 unit vials of each of the six reconstituted formulations were then inoculated to contain approximately 110-140 one hundred colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter of the microorganisms Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027). Solutions were vortexed and were stored at room temperature (22.5±2.5° C.) for 5 days. At 24 hours, 48 hours, and 5 days after inoculation the samples were assayed to determine the numbers of viable CFU per milliliter. Data is presented in logarithmic reductions (−) or logarithmic increases (+) in Table 2. NR=No Recovery (<10 CFU/mL) TABLE 2 Antimicrobial Activity of Six Different Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Compositions Formu- P. aeruginosa E. coli lation Time 140 CFU/mL 110 CFU/mL A 24 hrs +1.08 +1.99 48 hrs +2.80 +3.28  5 days +4.17 +4.21 B 24 hrs +0.86 +0.68 48 hrs +2.54 +2.06  5 days +3.97 +3.98 C 24 hrs +0.56 +0.75 48 hrs +1.48 +1.64  5 days +3.95 +3.76 D 24 hrs −0.10 −0.34 48 hrs 0.00 −0.56  5 days +1.36 NR E 24 hrs −0.30 −0.34 48 hrs +0.08 NR  5 days +2.54 NR F 24 hrs +0.59 +0.26 48 hrs −0.10 NR  5 days +1.69 NR

The results of this experiment showed that the zinc containing Formulations D, E, F had-significantly less microbial growth as compared the non-zinc containing formulations A, B, C, against the two indicated microorganisms. Prior to my invention it was unknown that zinc can provide an enhanced antimicrobial activity to a pharmaceutical active ingredient which is an enzyme, such as a botulinum toxin. Typically, proteins, and especially enzymes, do not retain biological activity in the presence of an anti-microbial agent.

Example 5 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing 2-Hydroxyethyl Starch

Botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations were prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin was replaced by either 500 μg or 600 μg of hetastarch. It was determined that full potency was maintained upon preparation of the hetastarch containing formulations. Thus, with both hetastarch containing formulations, the potency of the albumin-free, hetastarch containing composition, as measured at the time of reconstitution of the lyophilized, 100 U (±20 U) botulinum toxin type A complex, was from 96 to 128 units. Three separate hetastarch, botulinum toxin type A complex pharmaceutical compositions had potency measurements, at the time of reconstitution, of, respectively, 105, 111 and 128 units. Potency was measured using the standard administration to mice toxin potency assay.

Example 6 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Glycine

Botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations was prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin was replaced by either 500 μg or 600 μg of hetastarch. In addition 1 mg of glycine was added to the formulation. A lyophilized, hetastarch plus glycine, albumin-free, 100 U botulinum toxin type A complex, pharmaceutical composition was then stored for seven months at −5° C. At the end of this seven month period the potency of this hetastarch plus glycine toxin formulation was determined, using the mouse administration assay, to be essentially unchanged (i.e. potency differed by less than 5% from the original potency).

Example 7 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Lysine

100 U botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations are prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin was replaced by 600 μg of hetastarch. In addition 1 mg of lysine is added to the formulation. A lyophilized, hetastarch plus lysine, albumin-free, 100 U botulinum toxin type A complex, pharmaceutical composition is then stored for one year at −5° C. At the end of this one year period the potency of this hetastarch plus lysine, toxin formulation is determined, using the mouse administration assay, to be essentially unchanged (i.e. potency differs by less than 5% from the original potency).

Example 8 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Histidine

100 U botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations are prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin was replaced by 600 μg of hetastarch. In addition 1 mg of histidine is added to the formulation. A lyophilized, hetastarch plus histidine, albumin-free, 100 U botulinum toxin type A complex, pharmaceutical composition is then stored for one year at −5° C. At the end of this one year period the potency of this hetastarch plus histidine, toxin formulation is determined, using the mouse administration assay, to be essentially unchanged (i.e. potency differs by less than 5% from the original potency).

Example 9 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Arginine

100 U botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations are prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin was replaced by 600 μg of hetastarch. In addition 1 mg of arginine is added to the formulation. A lyophilized, hetastarch plus arginine, albumin-free, 100 U botulinum toxin type A complex, pharmaceutical composition is then stored for one year at −5° C. At the end of this one year period the potency of this hetastarch plus arginine, toxin formulation is determined, using the mouse administration assay, to be essentially unchanged (i.e. potency-differs by less than 5% from the original potency).

Example 10 Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition Containing An Amino Acid

Botulinum toxin type A purified neurotoxin complex pharmaceutical formulations can be prepared in the same manner set forth in Example 1 above, except that the 0.5 milligrams of albumin can be replaced by about 1 mg of an amino acid such as lysine, glycine, histidine or arginine. Thus a lyophilized, polysaccharide free, albumin free, glycine containing, botulinum toxin type A complex, pharmaceutical composition can be prepared and stored for at least one year −5° C., and at the end of this period can have a potency of which is essentially unchanged (i.e. potency can differ by less than 5% from the original potency).

Example 11 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition

A 48 year old male is diagnosed with a spastic muscle condition, such as cervical dystonia. Between about 10⁻³ U/kg and about 35 U/kg of a botulinum toxin type A pharmaceutical composition containing 600 μg of hetastarch and 1 mg of an amino acid, such as lysine, is injected intramuscularly into the patient. Within 1-7 days the symptoms of the spastic muscle condition are alleviated and alleviation of the symptoms persists for at least from about 2 months to about 6 months.

Example 12 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition to Treat Equine Colic

A two year old thoroughbred is brought into a veterinary clinic for evaluation of a recent onset of poor feeding, fussiness, and being rider-unfriendly. Blood chemistry indicates that the horse has metabolic disturbances of low glucose, hyperkalemia, and low blood count. Urinary excretion indicative of dehydration is noticed. The horse is diagnosed with colic. A composition containing between about 10⁻³ U/kg and about 35 U/kg of botulinum toxin A and 600 μg of hetastarch is intrathecally and transabdominally injected at several sites on three separate office visits. After three months, all signs of colic disappear and the horse is reintroduced into the racing circuit.

Example 13 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition to Treat a Canine

An owner of a 3 year-old German shepherd comes to a clinic concerned about a week history of limping and general lethargy of her dog. An x-ray is performed and a diagnosis of hip dysplasia is made. The animal undergoes hip replacement surgery. The dog's hips are cast, and botulinum toxin A injection is suggested to provide further immobilization of the rear legs and hips. Multiple injections of a composition comprising about 20 U/kg of botulinum toxin type A and 600 μg of hetastarch are given to the animal. The dog recuperates for about 4 weeks before removal of the cast. After removal of the cast, the dog continues to rest. A little after 8 weeks, the dog begins to regain some function of his legs. After 4 months, the dog has regained enough function to begin regular walking. By 6 months, the dog resumes normal activities.

A year after the hip replacement, the dog is lethargic, does not eat, and appears to be in distress. The dog is brought to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Except for low blood glucose, all other blood chemistry values appear normal. A barium scan of the upper GI finds narrowing of the lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in a megaesophagus. Diagnosis of achalasia is made, and botulinum toxin injection is suggested. An injection of a composition containing botulinum toxin type. A and hetastarch into the lower esophageal sphincter muscles is performed using fiberoptic guidance. Importantly, one week later, a second barium scan is performed, revealing a complete opening of the sphincter, and indicating that the dog has not developed immunity to the toxin from his earlier surgery. The owner notices cessation of vomiting and normal feeding habits.

Example 14 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition to Immobilize an Animal

A 4 year old angus bull is transported under general anesthesia to a large animal veterinary clinic facility for an evaluation of a fractured tibia resulting from a fight with another bull. X-ray evaluation reveals 3 fracture points restricted to the right, rear tibia without fractures to the fibula. The shin is plaster-casted, and it is recommended that the bull be completely immobilized to allow the leg to heal properly. A composition containing about 40 U/kg of botulinum toxin A and 600 μg of hetastarch is injected in several large muscle groups, including all the limb front and rear limb muscles. No injection is made to the abdominal rectus, cervical spinal, or facial muscles. The bull is completely immobilized but retains full functional control over food intake. After six months and two complete panels of injections, the limb heals enough to allow weight-bearing, but restricted movements within its own bull pen. After three more months the bull is allowed to be with other bulls to resume more physical activities.

Example 15 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Composition to Treat Canine Muscle Spasms

A 10 year old Yorkshire terrier is brought into a clinic for an evaluation of muscle spasms confined to the right half of the body. A CAT scan of the head reveals a large, intraparenchymal mass in the left brain, and biopsy reveals a grade II astrocytoma. Euthanasia is proposed by the veterinarian.

However, the owner still wants to spend the last few weeks of quality time with her dog and does not want the animal to suffer any pain that may result from the muscle spasms. Botulinum toxin injection is suggested. Injections are made in spastic musculature on the right side. The injections successfully abolish all spastic activities. The dog lives the remaining two weeks without spasms and according to the owner, happy and “appeared to be rather healthy”.

Example 16 Use of a Botulinum Toxin Pharmaceutical Composition to Treat Founder

A four-year-old Welsh mare has been habitually overfed a rich diet of alfalfa hay. The owner finds the pony hobbling in obvious pain and unable to walk normally. Upon examination the veterinarian diagnoses the problem as founder and recommends a strict diet and regular exercise until the animal's symptoms subside. However, neither the owner nor the veterinarian can convince the pony to walk more than a few steps at a time. If normal exercise is not quickly resumed the animal will be permanently crippled. A composition containing approximately of 100 U botulinum toxin type A and 500 μg HSA is injected into the hooves enabling the pony to apply pressure to the previously painful area. Within two weeks the pony regains its normal gait and resumes pulling a small cart containing the owner's children.

Example 17 Multiple Component Botulinum Toxin Formulations

As set forth briefly in the Definitions sections supra under the definition of “Pharmaceutical Composition” a multiple (i.e. two or more) component system for the making of a final formulation can provide the benefit of allowing incorporation of ingredients which are not sufficiently compatible for long-term shelf storage with the first component of the two component system or which for other reasons it is not desirable to include with the first component of the pharmaceutical composition. In this manner what I refer to as adaptive neurotoxin (i.e botulinum toxin) formulations can be prepared.

rHSA and HSA can require secondary stabilizers such as N-Acetyltryptophan, sodium caprylate, fatty acids, surfactants and divalent cations for optimum long-term stability. Studies utilizing probe formulations indicate that some of these secondary stabilizers may induce enhanced potency or stability on neurotoxin (i.e botulinum toxin) formulations. This example sets forth a way to add the appropriate concentration of these ingredients to obtain the desired effect. One way to accomplish this is to include the ingredient in the base formulation. Another is to add it to a base formulation prior to use. As set forth herein, Zinc, for example, may enhance the potency or liquid stability when added to an existing neurotoxin (i.e botulinum toxin) formulation not containing zinc. Other beneficial stabilizing ingredients can likewise be added in this manner.

A limitation of the current Botox® formulation is related to the useful length of the product. Currently the recommended (for sterility reasons) life after reconstitution of Botox® is about four hours. This is due to the fact that the product contains no preservative. The diluent, saline, also contains no preservative. Studies indicate that incorporation of some preservatives can degrade the toxin over a long storage time (i.e. up to 2 years) of the vacuum dried product. However, utilization of a diluent containing a preservative would expose the toxin to degradation processes for a much shorter time while still providing preservative efficacy, that is the time of use, and thereby allow incorporation of a preservative.

A problem related to removal of protein stabilizers is clinical performance.

Studies with hetastarch stabilized formulations indicate differences in performance (safety profile) possibly related to diffusion characteristics of the HES when compared to HSA. Other stabilizers (such as povidone) which perform similarly to HSA have thus far proven incompatible during storage, thereby limiting their usefulness. Incorporating them into a diluent or reconstitution vehicle would eliminate long-term exposure of the toxin to the incompatible species during which such degradation could occur. Therefore a HES or saline vacuum-dried formulation could be reconstituted in a vehicle containing a carrier, such as povidone, providing a shelf-stable product with the desired clinical performance.

Buffer salts or physiological pH conditions also may cause degradation during long-term storage. Enhanced storage stability may only be achievable by providing a suitable pH environment not suitable for injection (burning/stinging), such as low pH. A two-part system would overcome these limitations. A low pH shelf-stable formulation could be diluted or reconstituted using a buffer to overwhelm the capacity of the first composition, thereby providing a comfortable physiologic pH for injection.

Other advantages allow for changing the vehicle depending on use; i.e., the carrier could be selected according to the desired clinical diffusion characteristics. For example, toxin vacuum-dried in SWI, reconstituted with HES for one indication (cosmetic) and HSA for another (therapeutic). Stabilizing the toxin in SWFI, then reconstituting with saline (to obtain isotonicity) is another formulation option.

The final formulation might also be adapted to provide for patients allergic to a particular ingredient (a collagen vehicle substituted for a patient allergic to gelatin, for example). Otherwise, the base toxin formulation could be reconstituted with different albumins derived from a particular species for use in veterinary applications (equine serum albumin for use in horses, bovine serum albumin for use in cattle, as examples).

The basis of the invention is a formulation combined with adaptive, specialized vehicles/diluents to obtain the desired characteristics. The product can consist of three (or more) components; e.g., a vial containing a stable solid toxin and two pre-filled syringes containing differently formulated reconstitution vehicles.

Examples of Three-Component Systems:

Version I (Solid/Liquid):

-   1. Toxin vacuum dried in NaCl -   2. Reconstitution vehicle containing HSA or rHA -   3. Second reconstitution vehicle containing HES     (recon with rHA to obtain Botox safety profile/HES to obtain     modulated safety profile)     Version II (Solid/Liquid): -   1. Toxin vacuum dried in NaCl -   2. Reconstitution vehicle containing Povidone -   3. Second reconstitution vehicle containing HES     (reconstitute with Povidone to obtain Botox safety profile/HES to     obtain modulated safety profile)     Version III (Solid/Liquid): -   1. Toxin vacuum dried in SWFI (sterile water for injection) -   2. Reconstitution vehicle containing Povidone -   3. Second reconstitution vehicle containing HES     (reconstitute with Povidone to obtain Botox safety profile/HES to     obtain modulated safety profile)     Version IV (liquid/liquid): -   1. Toxin liquid stabilized with a buffer at pH 4 -   2. Diluent liquid buffered to pH 7 containing HSA -   3. Second diluent liquid buffered to pH 7 containing HES     (dilute with HSA diluent to obtain Botox safety profile/HES to     obtain modulated safety profile)     Version VI (Solid/Liquid): -   1. Toxin vacuum dried in SWFI (sterile water for injection) -   2. Reconstitution vehicle containing HSA or rHA and preservative -   3. Second reconstitution vehicle containing HES and preservative     (reconstitute with HSA/rHA to obtain Botox safety profile/HES to     obtain modulated safety profile; preservative is compatible with     toxin to retain potency during specified time of use (e.g., 48     hours))

A pharmaceutical composition according to the invention disclosed herein has many advantages, including the following:

-   -   1. the pharmaceutical composition can be prepared free of any         blood product, such as albumin and therefore free of any blood         product infectious element such as a prion.     -   2. the pharmaceutical composition has stability and high %         recovery of toxin potency comparable to or superior to that         achieved with currently available pharmaceutical compositions.

Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein have reduced immunogenicity and therefore enable medical caregivers to treat animals with a reduced risk that the animal will develop an immune response to the administered composition.

Various publications and/or references have been cited herein, the contents of which, in their entireties, are incorporated herein by reference.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to certain preferred methods, other embodiments, versions, and modifications within the scope of the present invention are possible. For example, a wide variety of stabilizing polysaccharides and amino acids are within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the following claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred embodiments set forth above. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A process for making a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with an enhanced potency, the process comprising the step of combining a botulinum toxin and a recombinant human serum albumin, thereby obtaining a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with an enhanced potency.
 21. The process of claim 20 further comprising the step, before the combining step, of obtaining a botulinum toxin.
 22. The process of claim 21 further comprising the step, before the combining step, of obtaining a recombinant albumin.
 23. the process of claim 20, wherein the botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition has an enhanced potency with regard to a reference botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.
 24. the process of claim 23, wherein the reference botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition contains a botulinum toxin, sodium chloride and human serum albumin.
 25. the process of claim 23, wherein the botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition has a potency which is from at least 5% and up to 40% greater than the potency of the reference botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition.
 26. A process for making a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition, with an enhanced potency the process comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a botulinum toxin; (b) obtaining a recombinant albumin and; (c) combining the botulinum toxin and the recombinant human serum albumin to thereby obtain a botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition with an enhanced potency.
 27. A botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition made by the process of claim
 20. 28. A botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition made by the process of claim
 26. 